Sleep and stress
Student life often includes a few late nights spent either studying or partying. For many people, tiredness is a seizure trigger, so it’s important to get enough sleep.
Sleeping at different hours can also disrupt your medication regime, so buy yourself an alarm clock and keep your medication handy – you can always go back to sleep afterwards!
Stress
Stress is another common trigger for seizures. You’ll have lots of fun in higher education but there may be times when you feel under pressure. Everyone should take steps to reduce stress, but this is even more important if stress is a trigger for your seizures.
Stress is a major thing for me especially around coursework, dissertations and exams.
Mark (21)
There are a few things you can do to help reduce this stress:
- Make sure you stay on top of things and pace yourself with lecture notes, coursework and revision timetables.
- Let your university and lecturers know if your seizures or medication may affect your work or concentration.
- Don’t stay up too late working or revising, give yourself time to rest.
- Take regular exercise and eat properly.
- Make sure you speak to your university student or disability support services about any additional support you need.
“My seizures are brought on through stress and tiredness so exams are even more hectic. Everything the university offered was about how to reduce the stress, so that was really helpful. They were really good for that.”
Jennifer (23)
Are you feeling stressed right now?
If you feel as if things are getting on top of you, don’t panic. You don’t have to deal with everything on your own.Your lecturers and support advisors are there to help, so the first thing to do is talk to them. They will help you to find a way forward.
You’ll also find some useful advice and information on our mental health page.
If things are still too much, then consider contacting your doctor.
Support from your institution
Your college or university may be able to help and provide extra support for you.
Find out how your institution can help
Read our '7 ways to combat stress' tips
Further information
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Young Epilepsy is the operating name of The National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy (NCYPE).