Epilepsy is a neurological condition that makes an individual more susceptible to having otherwise unexplained seizures, something that in particular scenarios be very dangerous. Therefore, any chance of developing the condition and/or managing should be a priority.
In a study performed by Xushuai Dong, from the Shandong Provincial Hospital in association with the Shandong First Medical University in Jinan, China, alongside colleagues explored the link between night shift work, overall sleep quality the associated sleep behaviours and the risk of developing epilepsy.
The study possessed a participant count of 270,000 individuals with and without epilepsy from the United Kingdom’s Biobank and followed up with over 13.5 years. The information extracted was that of current night shift work of the individuals and major sleep behaviours.
The results captured from the study were that of a positive association of an increase risk for epilepsy (P value of 0.059) for between those never/rarely completing a night shift and those with usual/permanent. The other aspect explored in terms of sleep quality yielded a more significant association between itself and the risk of epilepsy. Other sleep behaviours were also significant associated (sleep <7 or >8 hours), frequent insomnia and daytime sleepiness were significantly associated with a higher risk of epilepsy.
However, sleep chronotype and snoring had no link to development of epilepsy.
In conclusion, having structured and sufficient sleep continues to showcase the utmost importance in keeping overall health but also assisting in removing risk of development of neurological issues.
As a sleep technician in a similar situation this is extremely eye opening study and will definitely shape my sleep behaviours going forward between shifts.
