Published on: 7/9/2025
What causes seizures to occur when falling asleep?
Seizures that occur when falling asleep can be linked to changes in brain activity during this time, which may trigger seizures in people with certain types of epilepsy.
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Explanation
Seizures occurring as one falls asleep are associated with the transition between wakefulness and sleep. During this time, the brain's activity changes, which can sometimes trigger seizures in people with sleep-related epilepsy.
Key Points:
- Sleep-Related Epilepsy: Some types of epilepsy are more likely to cause seizures during sleep or when falling asleep. This is because certain brain patterns during sleep can trigger seizures (Reference 1).
- Sleep-Wake Cycle: Partial seizures can occur at different times during the sleep-wake cycle. Falling asleep is a common time for these seizures because of the changes in brain activity (Reference 2).
- Clinical Aspects: Understanding when seizures occur helps in managing them better. Treatments can be adjusted to help reduce seizures that happen at sleep onset (Reference 3).
If you or someone you know is experiencing seizures, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
(References)
- Carreño M, & Fernández S. (2016). Sleep-Related Epilepsy. Current treatment options in neurology, 27059342.
- Herman ST, Walczak TS, & Bazil CW. (2001). Distribution of partial seizures during the sleep--wake cycle. Neurology, 11402100.
- Feijoo M, & Bilbao J. (1992). Seizures of sleep onset: clinical and therapeutical aspects. Clinical neuropharmacology, 1576598.
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