Alpha Eeg Anomaly

A large majority of individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia also suffer from a form of sleep deprivation due to their inability to achieve the deep level of sleep needed for both emotional and physical restoration of the mind and body.

While some medical experts believe this inability to achieve a deep sleep is due to the physical symptoms of pain experienced by sufferers of this condition, studies have shown that a vast number of fibromyalgia patients also suffer from a sleep disorder known as the alpha EEG anomaly. 

This anomaly occurs when the alpha waves of the brain that are typically only active when an individual is awake and disappear upon falling asleep, suddenly have a surge of activity during the time when the brain should be in the stages of deep sleep. 

The Relationship between the Alpha Anomaly, Exercise, and Growth Hormones 

The deep stages of sleep not only are vital to the restorative process of the body, but also produce approximately eighty percent of growth hormone that is responsible for maintaining muscle mass and bone density. It has been proven that physical exercise aids in obtaining this deep level of sleep and lengthens the amount of time of the slow wave or delta wave brain process increasing the production of growth hormone.

Studies have also shown that individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia tend to have low levels of growth hormone; therefore, many medical experts believe that engaging in regular physical activity may be extremely beneficial to these patients. 

Research has also found that patients who are taking prescription medications such as antidepressants to relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia may sleep longer but do not experience a decrease in the alpha EEG anomaly, therefore, - despite this increase in the amount of sleep - they are still not able to receive a "good night's" rest as they have not been able to fully obtain the deep restorative stage 4 sleep and still feel fatigued upon wakening.

This stage 4 sleep also has an impact on the muscles as when this stage of sleep is not reached the muscles are not repaired and can result in a flare up or an attack of other symptoms. 

The Impact of a Lack of Stage 4 Sleep on the Development of Fibro Fog 

This lack of restorative sleep due to the alpha anomaly also can contribute to or cause the symptom of fibromyalgia known as "fibro fog". This condition results in "fuzzy thinking", short term memory loss, mental confusion, and a lack of concentration.

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia or the condition of alpha EEG anomaly, getting good quality sleep is the key to relieving the symptoms and some patients have found prescription sleep aids to be helpful.  Other ways that may help with obtaining a good night sleep for fibromyalgia sufferers is to keep a regular sleep schedule by going to sleep and waking up at the same time everyday, avoiding caffeine or eating to close to bedtime, and listening "white noise".