Invest in Yourself
Sleep and Epilepsy
When you live with epilepsy, lack of sleep can have a significant impact on your life and become a trigger for seizures.
For some people, seizures occur only during sleep, sometimes without them even realizing it. Upon waking, signs such as body aches, loss of urine, or a bitten tongue may be the only clues.
What exactly is insomnia?
Insomnia can take several forms:
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Feeling drowsy;
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Having difficulty maintaining restorative sleep, with awakenings during the night;
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Waking up too early;
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Becoming aware that our sleep isn’t really refreshing.
The consequences of a lack of sleep
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Causing difficulties at school;
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Leading to issues with memory, focus, and motivation;
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Causing car accidents and other incidents;
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Creating drowsiness (the feeling of wanting or needing to sleep in specific places and at often unusual times);
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Causing feelings of depression, irritability, anxiety…
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Leading to headaches
The causes of insomnia
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Too many extracurricular activities or ones scheduled too late;
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Spending a lot of time on screens in the evening (TV, video games, the Internet);
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Irregular bedtimes and wake times that disrupt biological rhythms;
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Stress and anxiety related to significant social or academic pressures, personal difficulties, an overwhelming family environment, etc.
The benefits of better sleep
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Meilleure réparation, bonne croissance et guérison des tissus;
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Improved recovery, proper growth, and tissue healing;
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A stronger immune system and increased capacity to fight infections;
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Better insulin regulation, which helps control blood sugar, weight, and cravings;
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Better regulation of stress hormones, which improves mood and makes you less irritable and less prone to depression.
For better sleep
Good habits to adopt for better sleep
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Keep a consistent sleep routine—same bedtime and wake-up time every day.
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Maximize daylight exposure—and sleep in a fully dark room.
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Limit naps—they may throw off your natural sleep–wake cycle.
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Avoid alcohol and other substances—these aren’t safe sleep aids.
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Reduce stimulants — Limit coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, or soft drinks, especially later in the day
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Create a soothing environment — Foster a calm, serene atmosphere in the bedroom
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Embrace healthy habits—balance rest, recreation, and exercise.
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Opt for a lighter dinner—skip heavy or acidic foods before sleep.
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Keep screens out of the bedroom—make it a space for rest and unwinding.
Tools and Applications
The Best Sleep Tracking and Meditation Apps
Calm
Meditate, sleep, relax.
Headspace
Meditation and rest
Pillow
Sleep tracker
Sleep as Android
Sleep–wake cycle
Petit Bambou
Managing emotions and letting go
Namata
Meditation and Sleep
