The relation between sleep and epilepsy has been described since the nineteenth century. Due to the growing knowledge of sleep medicine and epileptology, this relation has been elucidated and promising prospects are emerging. Epilepsy has a significant impact on the quality of sleep. Furthermore, sleep deprivation and sleep fragmentation determined by sleep disorders, which remain under diagnosed, can exacerbate seizures. In this context, the proper treatment of epilepsy may benefit sleep quality. By the same token, the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders can help in seizure control, especially in patients with refractory epilepsy. In this review, the authors discussed this intricate relationship and future perspectives for the study and treatment of these conditions, which may be associated.
Sleep fragmentation is a remarkable consequence of sleep respiratory related disorders. Patients who suffer from epilepsy, with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), may present seizure recurrence or worsening because of the sleep deprivation. Stress caused by daytime sleepiness and its consequences related to social adequacy and labor performances are also relevant. In addition, the hypoxic injury may expose patient to a predisposed condition to the occurrence of epileptic seizures. In this scenario, treatment of OSAS can improve seizure control.
Last date updated on April, 2024
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