The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Seizures During Sleep

Wed, 02/11/2009 - 22:16

 

Hi, I'm new to this site. I have most of my seizures in my sleep or in the morning after waking up.. my last one being two days ago. It seems that either illicit drugs, alcohol or lack of sleep bring most of my seizures on, and I'm working on getting them under control by giving up these things rather than taking my medication, I find the medication Valpro has some bad side effects.

I think my last seizure  was a big one becauseI have been a scattered mess since then, I've slept for two days straight now and I have yet to leave the house. I can't think straight so if this doesn't make any sense I hope u understand why. My whole body is aching and my memory is slowly returning.

Anyways I'm almost 25 and I was diagnosed about 2 1/2 years ago.. does anybody else experience sleep related seizures?.. I truly believe if I can get enough sleep I will  get my epiliepsy under control.

Thanks for any of your comments.

Comments

Re: Seizures During Sleep

Submitted by Gekim5 on Thu, 2009-08-13 - 02:44
Once you start meds, you can't stop! Trust me I've tried! I have nocturnal epilepsy and only take my medication at bedtime. I've been taking lamictal for 6 yrs now and have decreased in dosage significantly since but I will forever be taking seizure meds. I stopped taking meds for about a week (not by dr's orders) and I had a big seizure while taking a short nap. I really feel anyone with seizures should take control of it because it may get worse and you don't want to wait for that one bad episode. I've had seizures where I bit my tongue so badly, I had to get stitches and saline strips to protect it!

Re: Seizures During Sleep

Submitted by Godschsnone on Thu, 2009-08-13 - 14:47

Hi. Im new here but the situation is the same. I have seizures/anxiety attacks in my sleep that started when I was a sophmore in high school. Im now 22 yrs old. It starts, sort of, like an asthma attack; only, it's when Im sleeping. After awhile, i begin to shake and become unconcious. My parents say it doesn't last long but they are becoming more frequent now. When doing the sleep study and etc., doctors say I have irregular electrical waves going on but didn't know whether to call it anxiety or seizures. I have recently started Clonzepam- an anxiety med- and I do not like the way I feel so I stopped taking them. I realize that whenever Im stressed out, overworked, tired, etc., they come more often. It happens so quickly but when coming out, I dont remember a thing. I wake up with a painful headache and alot of soreness in my arms, shoulder, and legs. It is amazing to read some many stories about seizures- or in my case, seizures/anxiety attacks. I thought I was alone but Im glad to know that I have a group to share my thoughts and feelings with. Just remember that as long as you pray and ask God to strengthen you where you're weak He will do just that.

 To God be the Glory!!! Stay blessed and take care!!!

Hi. Im new here but the situation is the same. I have seizures/anxiety attacks in my sleep that started when I was a sophmore in high school. Im now 22 yrs old. It starts, sort of, like an asthma attack; only, it's when Im sleeping. After awhile, i begin to shake and become unconcious. My parents say it doesn't last long but they are becoming more frequent now. When doing the sleep study and etc., doctors say I have irregular electrical waves going on but didn't know whether to call it anxiety or seizures. I have recently started Clonzepam- an anxiety med- and I do not like the way I feel so I stopped taking them. I realize that whenever Im stressed out, overworked, tired, etc., they come more often. It happens so quickly but when coming out, I dont remember a thing. I wake up with a painful headache and alot of soreness in my arms, shoulder, and legs. It is amazing to read some many stories about seizures- or in my case, seizures/anxiety attacks. I thought I was alone but Im glad to know that I have a group to share my thoughts and feelings with. Just remember that as long as you pray and ask God to strengthen you where you're weak He will do just that.

 To God be the Glory!!! Stay blessed and take care!!!

Re: Seizures During Sleep

Submitted by Dracula on Wed, 2009-08-26 - 15:13

I had night-time seizures also two years ago, after all the treaments and Doctors(neurologists) I had no answers to why I was getting them. One day I was talking to a friend of mine and I was unaware she was suffering from seizures as well and told me it was because she was addicted to red bull & energy drinks, funny thing was that around that time i was also addicted to red bull, I would drink 3 or 4 a day and all that sugar and caffaine it just breaks down your entire nervous system. Well I stop drinking energy drinks and I havent had one since. I have heard drinking alot or if you doing any drugs also causes these seizures. But most important thing is to stay strong, the more information you can find out the better you will be. Study your seizures, keep track of the things you were doing before the happend. Don't let the Doctors pin you down in a corner...be strong and you will see you find out what's causing them.

I had night-time seizures also two years ago, after all the treaments and Doctors(neurologists) I had no answers to why I was getting them. One day I was talking to a friend of mine and I was unaware she was suffering from seizures as well and told me it was because she was addicted to red bull & energy drinks, funny thing was that around that time i was also addicted to red bull, I would drink 3 or 4 a day and all that sugar and caffaine it just breaks down your entire nervous system. Well I stop drinking energy drinks and I havent had one since. I have heard drinking alot or if you doing any drugs also causes these seizures. But most important thing is to stay strong, the more information you can find out the better you will be. Study your seizures, keep track of the things you were doing before the happend. Don't let the Doctors pin you down in a corner...be strong and you will see you find out what's causing them.

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.