Brain may reinforce seizures during sleep, suggests study
Medical Xpress
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A groundbreaking study from Mayo Clinic reveals that the brain may inadvertently reinforce seizures by treating them like memories worth storing. After experiencing a seizure, the brain enters a deep sleep state similar to how it consolidates regular memories, which can strengthen the pathways underlying the seizure and potentially worsen the condition. This process, detailed in the Journal of Neuroscience, suggests that seizures might be "learned" by the brain over time.
The research highlights a unique mechanism where post-seizure deep sleep acts like a memory-saving process. During this state, the brain may store the neural pathways associated with the seizure, making it more likely to occur again. This phenomenon can persist into the following night's sleep, further entrenching the pattern and potentially leading to more frequent or severe seizures.
Understanding this relationship between sleep and seizures could pave the way for new treatments aimed at disrupting this memory-like process. By targeting the brain's sleep mechanisms, researchers might develop strategies to reduce seizure frequency or severity. This discovery marks a significant step forward in unraveling the complex interplay between neurological activity and sleep patterns in epilepsy.
For individuals with epilepsy, this research offers hope for better management of their condition. It underscores the importance of monitoring sleep patterns and seeking treatments that address both seizures and sleep disturbances. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for further studies to explore how interrupting this memory-like process could lead to more effective therapies.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the brain's behavior during seizures and sleep, offering a potential pathway for improving epilepsy care and quality of life for patients worldwide.
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/23/2026