Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Sleep disturbance in children with epilepsy

Danielle A Becker1, Eileen B Fennell, Paul R Carney

  • 1Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Box 100165, 32610-0165, Gainesville, FL, USA. dbecker@hp.ufl.edu

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|December 31, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Children with epilepsy often experience sleep disturbances and behavioral problems, similar to those with obstructive sleep apnea. Addressing sleep issues may help improve neurobehavioral symptoms in pediatric epilepsy patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are common in children with epilepsy.
  • The relationship between sleep disorders and neurobehavioral issues in epilepsy requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate sleep-disordered symptoms in children with epilepsy.
  • To compare these symptoms with those in children with obstructive sleep apnea.
  • To assess behavioral disturbances in children with epilepsy.

Main Methods:

  • A validated pediatric sleep questionnaire was used.
  • Participants included children with epilepsy (n=14) and age-matched children with obstructive sleep apnea (n=14).
  • Parent and child behavioral symptom measures were administered.

Main Results:

  • Over 50% of children with epilepsy exhibited behavioral problems.
  • No significant differences in snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, or restless sleep were observed between the epilepsy and obstructive sleep apnea groups.
  • Children with epilepsy reported sleep disturbance symptoms comparable to those with obstructive sleep apnea.

Conclusions:

  • Children with epilepsy show a high prevalence of sleep disturbances and behavioral problems.
  • Sleep disturbances may contribute to neurobehavioral issues in pediatric epilepsy.
  • Further research into sleep interventions for children with epilepsy is warranted.

More Related Videos

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture09:06

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

Published on: December 22, 2016

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy10:22

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Published on: December 6, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...