Nocturnal (night-time) seizures

Some seizures occur at night, and for some people seizures occur only at night.

Once a person is in bed, they are not at risk of falling and injuring themselves. The danger of choking or being suffocated by a pillow is extremely small and special pillows are available on the market to reduce this possibility to a minimum. Alternatively, the person may choose not to use a pillow.

There are also other adaptations which could be made to the room, such as the use of a low bed.

With some types of epilepsy, confused or automatic behaviour may lead to the danger of wandering or other behaviour, which may lead to harm to the person. In these circumstances, it would be sensible for appropriate precautions to be taken, such as having another person in the house and minimizing hazards.

It should be sufficient that someone is present in the house with the person, as there would not usually be a need for another person to remain awake observing the person in case they had a fit.

Amended November 2008