9 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : As the world observes International Epilepsy Day 2026, health experts are once again stressing the importance of lifestyle management in controlling epilepsy, a neurological disorder that affects nearly 50 million people globally. Among the most common yet underestimated seizure triggers are sleep deprivation and psychological stress, doctors say.
Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. While medication remains the cornerstone of treatment, neurologists emphasize that adequate sleep and stress control play a crucial role in preventing seizure episodes.
Why Sleep Is Critical for Brain Stability
According to neurologists, sleep is not merely a resting phase but an essential period during which the brain regulates electrical activity, repairs neurons, and balances neurotransmitters. When sleep is disrupted or shortened, this balance is disturbed, increasing the brain’s susceptibility to seizures.
“Sleep deprivation lowers the seizure threshold,” explains doctors. “This means the brain becomes more excitable, making it easier for abnormal electrical discharges to occur.”
Studies show that lack of sleep can:
- Increase cortical excitability
- Alter neurotransmitter levels such as GABA and glutamate
- Disrupt circadian rhythms that regulate brain activity
For some individuals, seizures occur predominantly after late nights, night shifts, or long periods of poor-quality sleep. In fact, sleep-deprived EEGs are often used by doctors to help diagnose epilepsy because lack of sleep can provoke abnormal brain waves.
The Stress-Seizure Connection
Stress, whether emotional, psychological, or physical, is another powerful seizure trigger. When the body is under stress, it releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which directly influence brain function.
Chronic stress can:
- Increase neuronal excitability
- Interfere with sleep patterns
- Reduce the effectiveness of anti-epileptic drugs
“Stress doesn’t just act alone—it often leads to poor sleep, irregular routines, and missed medications, creating a perfect storm for seizures,” doctors explain.
People with epilepsy frequently report seizures during periods of intense emotional pressure, such as exams, job insecurity, family conflict, or illness.
How Sleep and Stress Interact
Experts highlight that sleep loss and stress are closely interconnected. Stress makes it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep, while lack of sleep increases emotional instability and stress sensitivity. This vicious cycle significantly raises seizure risk.
“For epilepsy patients, breaking this cycle is critical,” doctors warn. “Even one or two nights of poor sleep can trigger seizures in vulnerable individuals.”
Impact on Different Age Groups
Sleep and stress affect epilepsy differently across age groups:
- Children and adolescents: Academic pressure, screen exposure, and irregular sleep schedules can increase seizure frequency.
- Adults: Work stress, night shifts, and lifestyle imbalance are common triggers.
- Elderly: Sleep disorders, anxiety, and medical comorbidities can worsen seizure control.
Doctors advise tailored sleep and stress management strategies depending on age and daily routine.
Practical Steps to Reduce Risk
On International Epilepsy Day, doctors recommend simple but effective measures to reduce seizure triggers:
1. Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily helps regulate brain rhythms.
2. Prioritise sleep quality
Avoid screens before bedtime, limit caffeine, and ensure a quiet, dark sleeping environment.
3. Manage stress proactively
Techniques such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and counselling can significantly lower seizure risk.
4. Take medications consistently
Stress and sleep loss often lead to missed doses, which can trigger seizures.
5. Recognise personal triggers
Keeping a seizure diary helps identify patterns linked to stress or sleep disruption.
Role of Awareness and Support
Despite advances in treatment, epilepsy remains surrounded by stigma and misinformation. Many patients hesitate to discuss stress, mental health, or sleep problems, fearing judgment.
“Epilepsy management is not just about pills,” doctors stress. “It’s about creating a supportive environment that allows patients to rest, cope with stress, and live with dignity.”
International Epilepsy Day serves as a reminder that awareness, empathy, and education are as vital as medical care.
Looking Ahead
As research continues, experts are exploring how wearable sleep trackers, stress-monitoring tools, and personalised therapy plans can improve seizure prediction and prevention. Until then, doctors urge patients and caregivers to treat sleep and stress as non-negotiable aspects of epilepsy care.
“Good sleep and emotional balance can be as powerful as medicine in controlling seizures,” doctors conclude.
Summary
On International Epilepsy Day 2026, doctors highlight that sleep deprivation and chronic stress increase brain excitability, lowering seizure thresholds and making lifestyle management essential for effective epilepsy control.