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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Difficulty In Sleeping. Have Epilepsy. Could The Insomnia Be Due To The Temperature Change?

Hello, My wife put my bed under the window and I am concerned that it might cause neurologic problems. It doesn t help that I have epilepsy . Also, I have also had alot of trouble sleeping the past few months. Our heads are pretty much on the window sill and the temperature is in the single digets tonight. I insulated the windows but there is still alot of cold air coming in. Is there reason for concern? Can this be a reason for my insomnia and can this affect my epilepsy?
Sat, 23 Feb 2013
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hi there, thanks for asking. As a part of sleep hygiene, the environment temperature should be kept between 18 and 24 C. It could be dangerous for the body if the temperature falls below 12 C during sleep time. During REM part of sleep your body cannot regulate its temperature and it needs that have a relatively constant temperature in the surroundings. Regarding the effect of cold temperature and its triggering effect for the epilepsy, I should say that low temperature triggers the secretion of cortisol inside the body and cortisol has been known as one of the triggers for the seizure onset. I wish you the best health.
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Psychiatrist Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar's  Response

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Changes in the sleep environment such as excessive cold or heat or unfamiliar locations can be a cause of insomnia in some people. It is unlikely to cause any major neurological problems, but chronic sleep deprivation may not be good for your epilepsy and for your general health.

I would suggest that you ensure that you have a comfortable sleep environment. If you are being exposed to excessive cold, then you should protect yourself by using adequate warm clothing.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Psychiatrist Dr. Sushil Kumar Sompur's  Response
Hi there !



I understand that you are having problems with sleep. Your wife putting you under the window is definitely a cause for concern if the temperature there is too high or too low. Epilepsy also affects sleep patterns. I hope you are adequately treated for epilepsy and are seizure-free for a period of 5 years in which case determining the cause of your sleep problems is easier. It is good to sleep in a moderate room temperature that is a little less than the usual room temperature, and I would definitely advocate against sleeping besides the window sill where the temperature could get to be in the single digits.

I hope this helps.



Take care and have a lovely day !
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Difficulty In Sleeping. Have Epilepsy. Could The Insomnia Be Due To The Temperature Change?

Hi there, thanks for asking. As a part of sleep hygiene, the environment temperature should be kept between 18 and 24 C. It could be dangerous for the body if the temperature falls below 12 C during sleep time. During REM part of sleep your body cannot regulate its temperature and it needs that have a relatively constant temperature in the surroundings. Regarding the effect of cold temperature and its triggering effect for the epilepsy, I should say that low temperature triggers the secretion of cortisol inside the body and cortisol has been known as one of the triggers for the seizure onset. I wish you the best health.