HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Persistent Insomnia?

default
Posted on Wed, 8 Jun 2016
Question: I'm 68 and I've fought insomnia, since 1978.
My two recent sleep studies show only only problem: no slow wave sleep.
My physicians keep prescribing sleep meds, but cannot find the root cause.
My present sleep med is clonazepam (2mg), usually two per night.
What are your suggestions for getting at the root cause?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
We do not know any root cause existing for such long duration

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

Till now science is not able to establish the root cause for absence of slow wave sleep and I think your physician can not tell you the right cause because it is not known to anybody including him.

Having said this clonazepam lowers the rem sleep and to some extent increases the slow wave sleep so I feel his treatment choice rational.

I understand that answer is far from satisfactory but unfortunaely we need to understand the limitations of science.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3355 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Psychiatrist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Causes Persistent Insomnia?

Brief Answer: We do not know any root cause existing for such long duration Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. Till now science is not able to establish the root cause for absence of slow wave sleep and I think your physician can not tell you the right cause because it is not known to anybody including him. Having said this clonazepam lowers the rem sleep and to some extent increases the slow wave sleep so I feel his treatment choice rational. I understand that answer is far from satisfactory but unfortunaely we need to understand the limitations of science. I hope this helps you. Thanks and regards.