If you have epilepsy, you might have noticed you have more seizures when you haven’t slept well. There is a well-known relationship between tiredness and seizures. People with some kinds of epilepsy may have more seizures when they haven’t slept well.
Speak with your doctor about issues related to your sleep. In this article, you’ll learn more about the relationship between tiredness and seizures.
Can lack of sleep cause a seizure?
Yes, for some people, sleep deprivation can be a seizure trigger. Many studies have shown that sleep deprivation can increase the kinds of electrical activity in the brain that can lead to seizures.
Sleep deprivation may be more likely to trigger seizures in people who have certain types of generalized epilepsy. There is less clear evidence about whether poor sleep triggers seizures in people with focal epilepsy.
What is the link between tiredness and seizures?
While poor sleep is associated with seizures for some people with epilepsy, it is currently not clear exactly why this happens.
However, several studies have found that lack of sleep increases electrical activity in the brain that is associated with seizures.
Be aware: SUDEP often happens during sleep. Learn more about SUDEP
Sleep related epilepsy: what to do
If you’ve noticed that there seems to be a link between your tiredness and seizures, speak with your doctor. You might wish to ask them for specific advice on improving your sleep quality.
The Epilepsy Foundation provides some suggestions for managing epilepsy and sleep that may help reduce tiredness for some people:
- Stick to a routine where you go to sleep at the same time each night
- Find ways to relax to ease your transition into sleep
- Do not use electronic devices in bed (phone, TV, laptop)
- During the day, try to get some exposure to sunlight
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet and at a comfortable temperature
- Take part in exercise during the day (check with your doctor which exercise is suitable for you)
- Avoid heavy meals late at night
- Drink fewer drinks with caffeine in them, especially in the evening (coffee, tea, energy drinks and soft drinks like Cola)
Monitor your epilepsy and sleep patterns
If you do notice tiredness and seizures are a problem for you, speak with your doctor. Working together, you can develop a plan to improve your sleep.
