Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

Which sleep disturbance is frequently found in patients with fibromyalgia?

1. More than 70% have delta wave disturbance

2. Frequent nightmares

3. Excessive daytime sleepiness

4. More than 70% experience alpha wave intrusion into non-REM sleep

The correct answer is: More than 70% experience alpha wave intrusion into non-REM sleep

In patients with fibromyalgia, a common sleep disturbance is the occurrence of alpha wave intrusion into non-REM sleep. This phenomenon refers to the abnormal presence of higher frequency alpha brain waves during non-REM sleep stages, which typically should be dominated by slower delta waves. This abnormality can lead to fragmented sleep and can contribute to the overall impaired sleep quality that fibromyalgia patients often report. The significance of this finding lies in its relationships with symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as fatigue and widespread pain, both of which can be exacerbated by poor sleep quality. The intrusion of alpha waves into non-REM sleep stages can disturb the restorative processes that occur during deep sleep, further affecting overall health and wellness. Understanding this sleep pattern is crucial for healthcare providers when managing fibromyalgia, as improving sleep quality can be an essential component of treatment.