Saturday, April 13, 2019

Sleeping Recommendations for People with Epilepsy


Financial services professional Warren Lammert serves as the CEO and chief investment officer of Boston-based Granite Point Capital, which he founded in 2004. Additionally, Warren Lammert is a dedicated philanthropist who serves on the boards of a variety of companies and nonprofit organizations that aim to advance epilepsy research.

Crucial to improving overall health and wellness among all people, sleep is particularly important for those living with epilepsy. Seizures are sensitive to sleep patterns, and a lack of good, regular sleep can trigger an increase in the frequency, intensity, and length of seizures. Some forms of epilepsy, such as autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy and benign rolandic epilepsy, are especially tied to sleeping patterns, as they generally involve seizures that occur at night. These types of epilepsy, in particular, can make it even harder to get a good night’s sleep and feel well-rested in the morning, which can result in worse seizures.

The Epilepsy Foundation recommends not only maintaining a realistic bedtime schedule, but also turning off all electronic devices at least an hour before going to sleep. Doing so ensures the proper production of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone that is also produced by exposure to sunlight. Other things to consider to ensure that you receive the proper amount of sleep at night include exercising regularly, taking a warm shower before bed, and limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption at night.