“Why did she suddenly jerk in her sleep, but not remember it the next morning?”
If you’ve asked yourself this question, you’re not alone. For many children with epilepsy, seizures happen during sleep. These are called nocturnal seizures, and they can easily be mistaken for restless sleep, nightmares, or even behavioral issues.
As a pediatric neurologist, I often meet parents who feel puzzled or guilty for “missing” these signs. However, the truth is that nocturnal seizures are often subtle and easily overlooked. Recognizing them is the first step toward helping your child.
What Are Nocturnal Seizures?
Nocturnal seizures are seizures that occur during sleep. They may happen during certain stages of the sleep cycle, often in the hours soon after falling asleep or before waking.
For some children, seizures occur only at night, while for others, both daytime and nighttime seizures are seen. Unlike nightmares or sleepwalking, seizures are the result of abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain.
How to Recognize the Signs
Parents usually notice these patterns:
- Jerking movements of arms or legs during sleep
- Sudden waking with confusion, fear, or a blank stare
- Repeated bedwetting (after a child has been toilet-trained)
- Unusual breathing sounds, teeth grinding, or clenched jaw
- Extreme tiredness or headaches in the morning, despite “good” sleep
It’s important to remember that not every child shows all these signs, and sometimes seizures last only a few seconds.
Why They’re Often Missed
Because children are asleep, seizures often go unseen. Many do not recall the episode the next day. Parents may think their child is simply restless, having bad dreams, or sleepwalking.
This is why keeping an eye on unusual night behaviors and noting their frequency is so important.
When Should Parents Seek Help?
- You should seek professional help if your child:
- Has frequent disturbed nights without a clear reason
- Wakes up exhausted even after 8–10 hours of sleep Shows unusual movements, sounds, or behaviors at night
How Are Nocturnal Seizures Diagnosed?
- EEG (electroencephalogram): Sometimes performed during sleep to capture abnormal activity.
- Video EEG or sleep study: Combines brain wave recording with overnight monitoring.
- Sleep diary: Parents’ notes about what they see at night can be helpful.
Management & Treatment
Nocturnal seizures can usually be managed successfully. Treatment may include:
- Medications: Antiepileptic drugs help control seizures.
- Sleep hygiene: A consistent bedtime routine, avoiding late nights, and managing stress.
- Safety steps: Ensuring the bed area is safe and there are no sharp objects or heavy items nearby. Team approach: Involving parents, neurologists, and teachers to monitor progress.
Note for Parents
It can be frightening to think of seizures happening while your child sleeps. But please remember: with timely diagnosis and treatment, most children with nocturnal epilepsy lead healthy, active lives.
Early recognition gives your child the best chance at thriving.
Summing Up
Nighttime behaviors in children are easy to dismiss as “just dreams”, but sometimes, they tell us more.
If you’ve noticed unusual sleep patterns, movements, or morning fatigue in your child, consult Dr. Aman PS Sohal, pediatric neurologist in Dubai, for expert care. Early recognition and treatment can make all the difference.
