Published on: 7/9/2025
What are common triggers for seizures during sleep?
Seizures during sleep can be triggered by factors like sleep deprivation, stress, certain medications, and disrupted sleep patterns.
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Explanation
Seizures that occur during sleep are often linked to specific triggers, including:
Sleep deprivation: Not getting enough rest can increase seizure risk. Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress can disrupt sleep and provoke seizures. Irregular sleep schedule: Frequent changes in sleep times may trigger seizures. Alcohol and drug use: Certain substances can interfere with sleep and brain activity. Medication changes: Missing doses or stopping anti-seizure meds can lead to seizures. Underlying epilepsy: Some types of epilepsy have a tendency to cause seizures during sleep. Illness or fever: Can disturb sleep and increase seizure likelihood.
Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and following medical advice can help reduce the risk of seizures during sleep.
(References)
- Husain AM, & Sinha SR. (2011). Nocturnal epilepsy in adults. Journal of clinical neurophysiology : official publication of the American Electroencephalographic Society, 21399518.
- Carreño M, & Fernández S. (2016). Sleep-Related Epilepsy. Current treatment options in neurology, 27059342.
- Kothare SV, & Kaleyias J. (2010). Sleep and epilepsy in children and adolescents. Sleep medicine, 20620102.
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