Sleep quality in epileptic children

Abstract

Sleep problems frequently coexist in epileptic patient. The effect of them on each the other has been extensively evaluated. Little review exists on the reciprocal interaction of sleep problems and epilepsy in the children.

Aim of study

To evaluate prevalence, pattern and risk factors of sleep problems in epileptic children.

Method

Eighty-two epileptic children and 40 healthy controlled children were evaluated using children's sleep habits questionnaire – Arabic form and night polysomnography (2 consecutive nights).

Result

Prevalence of sleep problem in epileptic children was 45% and 17% of normal control children with significant difference in sleep latency, total sleep time and number of awaking per night with significant prevalence with partial epilepsy, poly therapy and poor controlled epilepsy.

Conclusion

Sleep problems are common in epileptic children with close relation to partial epilepsy, number of anti epileptic and poor controlled epilepsy. This is important to deal with it in order to better control of sleep problems in such patient.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.