School Absences & Fatigue

What you need to know

  • The most common sleep problem is insufficient sleep which affects both those with TSC and their caregivers.
  • About 20-50% of individuals with TSC have sleep problems.
    • daytime sleepiness
    • going to sleep
    • staying asleep
    • underlying sleep disorders
  • Sleepiness may manifest itself as hyperactivity in children and they will fight the sense of sleepiness by increasing motor activity to stay awake.
  • Epilepsy and sleep issues:
    • seizures disrupt sleep and lack of sleep increases seizures
    • anticonvulsant medications can cause daytime sleepiness
    • insufficient sleep is the primary cause of daytime sleepiness
  • School aged children who have TSC may he increased school absences due to medical issues.