Seizures and epilepsy are closely linked
- Sleep can sometimes trigger the brain activity that leads to seizures.
- Many people have seizures at specific times in their sleep–wake cycle.
- Some types of epilepsy cause seizures only during sleep.
Seizures during sleep
- Night‑time seizures can cause brief awakenings that can mimic sleep disorders.
- Many people don’t realise they’re having seizures in their sleep.
- This can lead to daytime tiredness, trouble concentrating, and memory problems without knowing why.
For people with epilepsy, sleep problems are a double-edged sword as sleep and epilepsy affect each other
How seizures affect sleep
- Seizures can disrupt sleep patterns causing sleep deprivation which is a trigger for seizures
- A seizure during sleep affects sleep patterns for the rest of the night.
- REM sleep (dreaming sleep) is often reduced or even stopped after a seizure – even a brief seizure early in the night. REM sleep is important for memory, mood and learning
- Even daytime seizures can reduce REM sleep the following night.
If someone has regular seizures, particularly during sleep, this will greatly affect how they feel and function during the day
How poor sleep increases seizure risk
- Not enough sleep or broken sleep can increase the risk of seizures happening.
- Things like stress, illness, alcohol, or late nights can also affect sleep and make seizures more likely.
This is why it is so important to have a regular sleep routine if you have epilepsy. This means the same bedtime and rising time.
How much sleep should someone with epilepsy get?
- Most adults need approximately 7-8 hours
- Healthy teenagers should have at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night, most have about 9-11 hours sleep.
- A “good night’s sleep” means you wake up feeling refreshed.
It’s not just about how long you sleep — it’s also about sleep quality.
If you are still tired, forgetful, or struggling to concentrate even with enough hours in bed, you may need a medication review or a sleep assessment.
Do epilepsy medications affect sleep?
Some epilepsy medications can affect sleep, but it depends on the medication. They may cause:
- Daytime tiredness
- Memory or concentration problems
- Difficulty falling asleep (insomnia)
If you think your medication is affecting your sleep, talk to your neurologist about whether changes can be made.
Getting enough sleep is important for your overall health – and for seizure control.
Sleep tips
- Don’t overheat. Keep your quilt or blankets light as you sleep better when cool.
- Don’t go to bed hungry. Have a light snack before bedtime if you are hungry, but heavy meals before sleep.
- Avoid energy drinks, colas, chocolate and coffee in the evening. They all contain caffeine or caffeine-like stimulants!
- As hard as it may be, turn off your screens, silence your phone. Message alerts and bright light will either keep you awake or disrupt your sleep.
- Avoid smoking at least 1-2 hours before you go to bed – nicotine is a stimulant.
- Avoid alcohol. It may help you get to sleep but makes sleep lighter and more broken. You will not feel rested the next day.
- Most importantly, have a regular bedtime and wake up time as much as you can.
Click on the play button to hear Ashia’s take on sleep.
Other links
E360 article – while you were sleeping
