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Evaluation of Sleep Pattern in Children with Epilepsy: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Annals of Medicine and Medical Sciences Volume 04 (2025), Version 3 April 12, 2025 pp. 173 - 178
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Abstract

Objective: Sleep disorders are a common concern in Paediatric patients with epilepsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate sleep pattern in children in age group 1-18 years with epilepsy. Secondary objective was to study association of sleep problem with various anti-epileptic drugs. Methodology: It was a Cross-sectional study, conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Central India from September 2023 to September 2024. Children diagnosed with epilepsy from 1 to 18 years of age & in a steady state were included & those with cerebral palsy, syndromic epilepsy, pre-existing sleep disorders were excluded. The present study examined parent reported sleep patterns using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire. A total of 51 patients, aged 1 to 18 years & diagnosed with epilepsy were enrolled. Seizure-related data, including frequency, type and antiepileptic drug regimens, were obtained from medical records. Statistical analysis was conducted to investigate the association of sleep disturbances and epilepsy-related factors & Antiepileptic drugs. Results: There were total 51 children in the study, 26 were male (50.98%) & 25 were female (49.02%). Nearly half of the children (49%) had a consistent bedtime routine and sleep onset, with 35% falling asleep within 20 minutes. A significant portion children (65%) sleep in their own beds, but 20% need a parent present. Sleep disruptions were evident, with 10% snoring loudly every night and 30% waking up at least once during the night. 68.63% of patients were treated with monotherapy, while 31.37% required polytherapy for seizure control. There was no association of sleep problem with various anti-epileptic drugs like Carbamazepine, Sodium valproate & Levetiracetam & monotherapy vs polytherapy. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that a considerable proportion of children with epilepsy experience significant sleep disturbances, characterized by prolonged sleep latency, frequent nocturnal awakenings and excessive daytime sleepiness.

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