Epilepsy and sleep organization in the baboon Papio papio

Effects of different types of epileptic seizure on the sleep organization of baboon were studied through 12 h polygraphic recordings. Photically induced myoclonic jerking did not modify sleep organization. Photically induced genalized convulsions produced an increase of the waking stage (AWA) and reduction of REM stage. Pentetrazol-induced generalized convulsions not only increased AWA and reduced REM, but also elicited various modifications of stages I, II and III. Daily generalized convulsions induced by light or pentetrazol over 5 days demonstrated no rebound of REM.