Which of the following is a potential trigger for epilepsy?

• A. Flashing lights
• B. Alcohol withdrawal
• C. Stress
• D. Lack of sleep

Answer: (D)

Sleep deprivation lowers the brain’s threshold for seizures. When you don’t get enough rest, neuronal networks become more excitable and the balance between excitation and inhibition shifts toward hyperactivity. That makes it easier for abnormal electrical activity to spread and trigger a seizure in someone with epilepsy, so lack of sleep is a well-supported, widespread trigger.

Other factors can also act as triggers in some people—flashing lights can provoke seizures in photosensitive epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal can precipitate seizures, and stress can increase seizure susceptibility—but regular, adequate sleep is one of the most consistent and broadly applicable ways to reduce seizure risk.