A new study suggests that people with epilepsy who also have diagnosed sleep disorders may have a higher estimated risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Approximately 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy die from SUDEP each year.

In the study, about 4.3 percent of people with a diagnosed sleep disorder were classified as having high estimated SUDEP risk on the rSUDEP-7 scale, compared with 2.3 percent of those without a sleep disorder.

The rSUDEP-7 is a seven-item clinical tool that uses factors such as seizure type and frequency to estimate a person’s relative risk of SUDEP. Relative risk means how a person’s risk compares with that of others with epilepsy.

After researchers accounted for several other factors, having a sleep disorder was associated with nearly twice the odds of being classified in the high-risk group.

SUDEP is rare overall, but the study suggests that diagnosed sleep disorders may be associated with factors linked to higher SUDEP risk.

Why Sleep Problems Matter in Epilepsy

About 80 percent of SUDEP cases happen during sleep. This is one reason doctors pay attention to nocturnal (nighttime) seizures, sleep quality, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

Sleep disorders can also overlap with seizure symptoms. In some cases, poor sleep, waking up often, daytime sleepiness, or breathing problems at night may also affect seizure control and safety.

Important Limits To Keep in Mind

This study has some important limitations.

First, it was observational and retrospective. That means it found a link, not proof that sleep disorders directly raise SUDEP risk.

Second, the study estimated SUDEP risk rather than actual SUDEP events. It didn’t directly show that sleep disorders led to more SUDEP deaths. The findings show a link with higher rSUDEP-7 scores, not with actual SUDEP events.

Finally, the study doesn’t prove that treating a sleep disorder will lower SUDEP risk. The researchers said future prospective studies are needed to answer that question.

What This Means for People With Epilepsy

The study findings suggest sleep health may deserve more attention as part of epilepsy care. It doesn’t mean sleep disorders are the only reason SUDEP happens or that having a sleep disorder means someone is in immediate danger. But it does suggest that sleep health could be one more piece of the puzzle.

If you or a loved one with epilepsy also snores, wakes up often, feels unusually sleepy during the day, or thinks they may have a sleep disorder, consider bringing that up with a neurologist. They can help decide whether you need a sleep evaluation and how sleep may affect your epilepsy care.

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