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Alpha Intrusion Remedies
Got this question, which I wanted to throw out for feedback:
1. My instinct is that the alpha intrusion is related to my psychological state. Could this be correct and what are the current psychological approaches to this issue?
2. Are there any holistic, natural therapy approaches to alpha intrusion?"
Views: 6500
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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My understanding is that alpha intrusion can result from chronic pain, Gerd, RLS, to name but a few. A google search didn't turn up anything (but an orphan drug called Xyrem which is GHB for treatment) on psychological state.
Perhaps a back to basic review of sleep hygiene might help.
I took Neurontin for many years as a mood stabilizer, so it might be worth a trial run. Don't blame you for not wanting to add another drug to your regimen.
Maybe the music thread would help. Something to help you get into those deep sleep stages. Although an alpha intrusion pulls you out of deep sleep and means your sleep is not very restful.
Sorry, I'm not holistic oriented
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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on
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Alpha intrusion is the symptom. Until the source is found it can't be treated.
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Permalink Reply by Barbara Zarrella on
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Fibromyalgia is another possibility. I cannot take many meds and for my peripheral neuropathy I use Anodyne Therapy... which is infrared light that is projected through pads I place on my legs. It was a slow start, but it is working now. It is not a cure, but it sure helps. Tried neurontin and Lyrica.
I believe that alpha intrusion can also be the result of stress... like a chatterbox mind that will not let go of things. While it is not a preferred Rx... I use 1mg lorazapan to slow down my mind at night. I have never had to go higher. I also try breathing exercises. The reason I got a APAP with EPR is because it enables me to do deep breathing when falling to sleep.
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Permalink Reply by Renee on
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I also have been dx with florid alpha intrusion along with lack of SWS and REM. And I also refused to take Neurontin as I preferred to pursue a holistic, natural therapy approach: neurofeedback.
After researching as extensively as possible, I couldn’t find any explanation for my alpha intrusion and I think the reason that there’s no conclusive research on this topic is because of just what Rock H. said so succinctly: “Alpha intrusion is the symptom. Until the source is found it can't be treated.” Rock has been a great resource and support to me recently as we have tossed this subject all around, up and down, sideways, topsy-turvy – every which way and, even digging into my history and considering unique characteristics, there can be no answer without knowing the SOURCE. Rock has suggested a possibility in my case that I will ask to be tested in a special type of sleep study test so that my alpha can possibly be interpreted with more clarity and definition (that’s my paraphrasing of the potential benefits of the testing). I think that the potential that Rock has thought up is REALLY EXCITING and, I think, could be a new line of study in sleep dx regarding alpha intrusion. Yes, Rock IS UNBELIEVABLE !
I didn’t want to take Neurontin ‘til I would use CPAP for a while to see if CPAP would lower my alpha intrusion but, after 2 months and 3 titrations, my SWS and REM continued to decrease and I continued to have a LOT of alpha intrusion.
So, given that I have been very fatigued for such a long time, I begrudgingly, agreed to take Neurontin, albeit at the lowest dosage and I would only agree to increase it very slowly at my choosing. But I began taking it because I thought that if it worked that it could, hopefully, help resolve the problem faster than neurofeedback – and my brain and body deserve the rest and good health.
Also, I thought that I would then have time to research the holistic, natural therapy approach – neurofeedback, and I considered that, given how fatigued I was, I would be too tired anyway to practice neurofeedback. In my research, the QEEG test has been recommended to me to test for alpha intrusion. However, it is MOST IMPORTANT that it be administered by an EXTREMELY QUALIFIED practitioner. In fact, it was recommended to me by 2 qualified, experienced, licensed neurofeedback practitioners, who themselves administer the test, but who both recommended that in my case that I go to another person for the test – and they both recommended the same person. Luckily, I have been treated by that person previously and so I am going to visit with her again. But, that is how important it is to go to someone particularly QUALIFIED and EXPERIENCED. There are a large number of people hanging out a shingle as neuropractitioners in a field in which GOOD training and LOTS OF EXPERIENCE are essential to providing qualified treatment. I don’t know where you reside, but if you are in the NYC area, I would recommend Merlyn Hurd.
I, like you, considered the possibility of a psychological approach. And, while not many people may want to pursue that avenue, I consider it valid to look for the solutions wherever they are – physical or psychological – or both. So, hopefully, one’s sleep doctor will dx all physical possibilities, etc. through sleep studies – and one can also seek a psychological basis in neurofeedback testing. And since I consider the psychological approach important, I think it would be good for the Neurotherapist to have psychotherapy training as well.
So, I resisted taking Neurontin because I didn’t want to take another RX and because I wanted to take a natural, holistic route. But, given how fatigued I have been for such a long time, I reluctantly started taking Neurontin 7 weeks ago just on the off-chance that it would give my body and brain some respite and chance to repair and replenish. And, surprisingly, it seems to be helping me. I have had some days when I have been awake all day into the early evening – and I have not had that for years! And I have even gone out for casual walks and for some socializing – absolutely amazing!
Also, I found out in my research that Neurontin is the RX that is generally prescribed for alpha intrusion. And, while it’s only my guessing, it seems to me that Neurontin is prescribed in lieu of getting to the source of alpha intrusion in the hopes that it will somehow work – maybe simply on the basis that it has helped in some “X” percentage of cases. eg: it works to increase SWS – which is often interrupted by alpha intrusion, etc. – all very “iffy”.
So, I think, finally, the only way one can get an answer / resolution to alpha intrusion is:
-- try Neurontin to find out if it helps at all – and then, if it does, I think it would be worth trying to figure out WHY Neurontin is helping in order to determine the actual SOURCE of the alpha intrusion.
This might help to be able to figure a way to resolve the alpha intrusion without taking Neurontin.
For instance, if I am correct, in my case, in order to control the alpha intrusion, I would have to continue to keep taking Neurontin. I don’t think neurofeedback would necessarily be an answer for me even though I am big proponent of neurofeedback. Each person would be different.
-- try to find the source through sleep study testing and follow a treatment plan to resolve the issue.
-- try to find the source through QEEG and neurofeedback testing and follow a treatment plan to resolve the issue.
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So, I certainly have no professional guidance at all. -- I am a seeker of answers in this whole area. But I have been looking long and hard and have found that alpha intrusion, lack of SWS and REM (when not caused by physical pain) are really “gray” and frustrating areas. And, so, I thought I would pass along to you the “vagaries” that I have come across in my own investigation in the hopes that it might be of help to you.
And, I sure would be glad to hear of what you find out – and what you experience along your journey.
Good Luck !
My best ~ including some good rest,
Renee
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Hey Rock ~
For me too . . .fun, exciting, thought provoking and more . . . And I had a chance to appreciate so much your caring, compassion, curiosity, intellect, creativity, sense of fun and more . . . what a really wonderful experience!
Renee
Rock Hinkle said:The research on Alpha Intrusion has been really fun.
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I have not found any remedies for alpha intrusion. Only more questions. This big thing that we call sleep is truly fascinating. It just seems so simple to do. Lay your head down and shut your eyes. If only you know. This topic in particular has had me buried in books on my dining room floor several times in the last few weeks. It is hard to believe how Dr. Mack's book and Renee's case have sent me on a journey of research that may never end. So many different things seem to cause bad sleep. So many of those same things seem to be caused by bad sleep. It is just one big vicious circle.
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I was diagnosed with alpha intrusion over 3 years ago and my doctor prescribed 10mg of amitriptyline a night, I upped it to 20mg about a year ago. It works very well - in fact the first night I took it I couldn't believe how well I slept. The doctor confirmed that this is often the case for alpha intrusion, the drug works immediately.
I too often deal with a "racing mind" at night time. For years I dealt with lethargy and sluggishness and couldn't find any answers.
At any rate, came across this thread while doing a google search and wanted to add my experience to the discussion in case anyone wanted another potential RX to explore. I have never used neurotonin so I don't know how it compares.
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I tried neurontin for peripheral neuropathy and it made me totally unable to concentrate, which was not good as I have to work... like the most of us. Was given amitriptyline, but no longer remember why I stopped it. I am ultra sensitive to meds and if a pill cannot be split in one way or another so I can start on a very low dose... I am afraid to try it.
Had some luck with delta wave m3p music... but that does not last forever. After a while the mind becomes accustomed to it. Dr. J. Thompson Delta Sleep did wonders for three months!
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