The school break due to the summer vacation creates a serious mood of relaxation and a desire to play and not being able to hold back from the game. Gaming is not harmful. However, the duration is important. When we say games, we find the excess of time spent in front of the table and computer rather objectionable than the games played with groups of friends. Although it varies from person to person, staying on the computer for more than two hours at a time is inconvenient for children. For epilepsy patients, this period should be kept shorter. If we have patients diagnosed with photosensitive epilepsy, we do not recommend any computer games to them, if possible.
In the summer, everyone’s sleep patterns change. Children tend to go to bed late and wake up late with their parents. Sleep patterns are very important for epilepsy patients. Insomnia is an important factor that triggers seizures. Especially outside the school period, the sleeping hours should be stretched a little, but they must be regular. Children’s daily sleep needs are between 8 and 10 hours. However, this is not arranged by sitting all night and sleeping for 12 hours. Hormones such as growth hormone and cortisol released at night in children have certain release times. These oscillations conform to the day-night cycle. For these reasons, it is recommended that children, especially those with epilepsy, should not go to bed after 11 pm.
SLEEP AND DISORDER
Sleep disorder also affects drug intake times. Children with epilepsy are at risk of having seizures if they do not take their medication on time. It is possible for adolescent children to use alcohol and cigarettes as a wannabe in groups of friends in summer cottages. They should be warned that it is a trigger for epilepsy attacks.
Children playing in the sun for long hours can cause dehydration. Extreme tiredness, dehydration and excessive sweating can trigger seizures as the drugs will affect the blood level. Children should be provided with plenty of fluids and it should be controlled that they stay in the sun for long hours. It is useful to wear a hat, especially since sun exposure to the head can cause changes in intracranial pressure. It may be a precaution not to go out at noon when the sun is too effective.
In summer, activities such as swimming, cycling and outdoor sports can be done. However, children at risk of having an epileptic seizure should never be left alone in the pool or sea. They must be accompanied by someone who can intervene in the event of a crisis.
