Epilepsy, Sleep, and Sleep Disorders

Epilepsy is the third most common neurologic disorder after stroke and Alzheimer's disease in the United States. Sleep, sleep disorders, and epilepsy are commonly associated. It is well known that sleep and sleep deprivation increase the incidence of parasomnias and seizure activity. Conversely, seizure disorders can affect the wake-sleep cycle. Sleep disorders-including parasomnias-can mimic, cause, or even be triggered by epileptic phenomena, and vice versa. A high index of suspicion and a full awareness of the broad spectrum of sleep and epileptic phenomena is instrumental to an accurate diagnosis