Increased Risk of Mortality Linked to Sleep Deprivation in Elderly Patients with Epilepsy

A recent study published in the journal Healthcare highlights the concerning association between sleep deprivation and increased mortality risk among older adults with epilepsy. Researchers analyzed data from the 2008-2018 National Health Interview Survey, which was linked to mortality records from the National Death Index, focusing on U.S. adults aged 65 and above. The findings revealed that seniors suffering from both epilepsy and sleep deprivation faced nearly double the risk of all-cause mortality compared to those without sleep issues.

Specifically, the unadjusted hazard ratio for death from any cause was approximately 1.92 among those with sleep deprivation. After accounting for demographic factors and health variables, the adjusted hazard ratio rose to 1.94, underscoring a significant risk. Interestingly, the same level of sleep deprivation in individuals without epilepsy did not demonstrate a similar increase in mortality risk, indicating a unique vulnerability in this population.

The authors emphasize the importance of incorporating sleep assessments into routine epilepsy management. Enhanced screening, including electroencephalograms and sleep studies, can help identify underlying sleep disruptions that may influence the prognosis and survival outcomes of elderly patients. According to Dr. Srikanta Banerjee and colleagues, addressing sleep disturbances should be central to improving the quality of life and longevity for seniors with epilepsy.

This research underscores the critical need for healthcare providers to recognize and manage sleep issues in elderly patients with epilepsy to potentially reduce mortality risks. Further studies could explore targeted interventions to mitigate this risk and improve overall health outcomes.

For more details, see the original study: Healthcare, 2025.