SLEEP DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH EPILEPSY: CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

Sleep disturbances are among the most common non-seizure manifestations of epilepsy and may significantly worsen patients’ physical, emotional, and social well-being. The bidirectional relationship between sleep and epilepsy has attracted increasing clinical attention in recent years. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy and assess their influence on quality of life.

A cross-sectional observational study was performed involving 32 adult patients with clinically confirmed epilepsy. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while quality of life was evaluated using the QOLIE-31 questionnaire. Clinical data regarding seizure frequency, duration of epilepsy, and antiepileptic treatment were additionally analyzed.

Sleep disturbances were identified in 68.7% of participants. The most frequently reported complaints included insomnia, fragmented nocturnal sleep, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty initiating sleep. Patients with poor sleep quality demonstrated significantly lower quality-of-life indicators, especially in emotional functioning and social activity domains. Higher seizure frequency was associated with more severe sleep impairment.

The findings indicate that sleep disorders are highly prevalent among patients with epilepsy and may contribute to poorer psychosocial outcomes. Early recognition and correction of sleep disturbances should therefore be considered an essential component of comprehensive epilepsy management.