Symptom 5: Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances are a common yet often overlooked symptom of myoclonic epilepsy. Individuals with the condition may experience disrupted sleep patterns due to nocturnal seizures or muscle jerks, leading to a host of issues associated with sleep deprivation.
For instance, poor sleep quality can cause daytime sleepiness, making it challenging to stay awake and alert during the day. It can also lead to fatigue, affecting the individual’s energy levels and overall mood. The chronic nature of these sleep disturbances can further exacerbate other symptoms of myoclonic epilepsy, such as cognitive impairment and mood disorders.
Moreover, these sleep disturbances can contribute to a vicious cycle of worsening seizures. Sleep deprivation is a known trigger for seizures, meaning that the more an individual’s sleep is disrupted, the higher the likelihood of experiencing seizures. This, in turn, further disrupts the sleep pattern, creating a repeating cycle of sleep disruption and increased seizures.(5)
