Seizures can occur while a person is asleep. This phenomenon, known as sleep-related seizures, is a form of epileptic activity that manifests during periods of rest. Sleep’s physiological processes can influence when and how seizures occur, sometimes even triggering these neurological events.
Common Seizure Types During Sleep
Nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE) frequently manifests during sleep, characterized by brief, complex movements. Individuals might exhibit sudden, violent thrashing, bicycling movements of the legs, or vocalizations such as screaming or moaning. These episodes last from a few seconds to a minute and often occur during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
Another common type is juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), where seizures often appear shortly after waking or during sleep. This condition involves sudden, brief jerking movements, usually affecting both sides of the body, particularly the shoulders and arms. While most noticeable upon waking, these jerks can also happen during lighter sleep, sometimes causing objects to be dropped if the person is partially aroused.
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures, can also frequently occur during sleep. These seizures involve a loss of consciousness, followed by stiffening of the body (tonic phase) and rhythmic jerking movements (clonic phase). Afterward, individuals often experience confusion, drowsiness, or headache, making differentiation from other nocturnal disturbances challenging without a witness.
Identifying Seizures in a Sleeping Person
Observing specific behaviors can help identify a seizure in someone who is asleep. A person experiencing a sleep seizure might exhibit sudden, stiffening movements of the limbs or body, often followed by repetitive jerking. These movements can be pronounced, involving the entire body or localized to certain muscle groups. Unusual noises, such as gasping, choking, or loud moans, may also accompany these physical manifestations.
Changes in breathing patterns, such as labored breathing or brief pauses, can also be a sign. Upon waking, an individual who has had a sleep seizure might appear disoriented, confused, or unusually tired. They may also report a headache, muscle soreness, or a bitten tongue, which are common post-seizure symptoms. Differentiating these signs from normal sleep movements, such as restless leg syndrome or benign sleep myoclonus, requires careful observation of the event’s duration, intensity, and accompanying symptoms.
The Link Between Sleep and Seizure Occurrence
Sleep stages influence brain activity, which affects seizure thresholds. During non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, especially deeper stages, brain activity often synchronizes, creating large, slow waves. This synchronized neuronal firing can make the brain more susceptible to abnormal electrical discharges, increasing seizure likelihood. Reduced inhibitory processes during these sleep stages also contribute to heightened neuronal excitability.
Sleep deprivation is a documented trigger for seizures in many individuals, even those without a prior epilepsy diagnosis. When sleep patterns are disrupted, or a person consistently gets insufficient sleep, the brain’s electrical stability can be compromised. This disruption lowers the seizure threshold, making it easier for abnormal electrical activity to spread and manifest as a seizure. Consistent and adequate sleep can play a role in seizure management for some individuals.
Steps to Take for Suspected Sleep Seizures
If sleep seizures are suspected, consulting a doctor is a first step. A healthcare professional can evaluate symptoms and determine the course of action. This consultation involves taking a detailed medical history, including descriptions from any witnesses.
Diagnosis often includes tests to assess brain activity and rule out other conditions. An electroencephalogram (EEG), which records brain waves, may be performed, sometimes during sleep, to capture abnormal electrical patterns. A sleep study, or polysomnography, might also be recommended to monitor brain activity, breathing, and body movements. These steps allow for diagnosis and help develop a management plan, rather than attempting self-diagnosis or delaying professional medical evaluation.