Sleep is vital for our mental and physical health and wellbeing
Epilepsy and sleep have a strong connection, meaning that:
- poor sleep may trigger seizures in people with epilepsy,
- many people have seizures during sleep
- the stage of sleep can influence seizures (some seizures only occur at certain stages of sleep),
- sleep disorders commonly co-exist with epilepsy, and,
- at the same time, having epilepsy can affect sleep and contribute to sleep issues.
Epilepsy and its treatment influence sleep patterns and daytime alertness, and may contribute to, or exacerbate sleep disorders.
Seizures during sleep
Night-time seizures, even if only brief can disrupt sleep and increase daytime drowsiness. There is quite a bit of evidence that seizures in general directly interfere with normal sleep architecture and sleep patterns.
Sleep disorders in people with epilepsy
A variety of sleep disorders may coexist with epilepsy, including obstructive sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and insufficient sleep. These disorders may contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness or insomnia.
Sleep apnoea is about twice as common in people with poorly controlled epilepsy than in the general population
Treatment of a coexisting sleep disorder may improve seizure control, daytime alertness, and health-related quality of life.
Seizures and sleep disorders both cause sleep deprivation, which not only compromises physical health, but also affects memory, attention, cognitive function and day-to-day living, and consequently mental health and quality of life.
Click on the video to hear Dr Dan McLaughlin, a neurologist specialising in epilepsy, offer practical tips to adjust sleep patterns to accommodate late nights and early starts for work, recreational and social events.
Practical tips for sleeping
To gain a better understanding about sleep architecture, sleep disorders, the impact of seizures and anti-seizure medications on sleep as well as strategies to improve your sleep see Epilepsy 360° Magazine article ‘While you were sleeping’.
Further reading:
EAA Factsheet – Nocturnal Seizures
The Impact of Sleep on the Body
