Q: I'm 22 years old, and I was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. I've always been a light sleeper, but I've been waking up recently and not feeling rested at all. Is this just anxiety, or am I having seizures in my sleep?
— Malcolm, New York

A: You may be having what are known as nocturnal seizures. Clues to nocturnal seizures include waking up in the morning with the following seizure-associated signs: soreness of the tongue or lips due to biting them during the seizure; urine on the bed sheets; and/or muscle aching and bruising caused by thrashing about during a nocturnal seizure. You don't mention any of these things, which would be sure to attract your attention upon awakening.

Your description best fits insomnia, which is much more frequent than seizures and in many cases results, as you mention, from anxiety. Mention your concerns to your neurologist. If your doctor feels it's necessary, an all-night sleep electroencephalograph can be ordered and will document your brain activity during sleep.

Richard M. Restak, MD, is clinical professor of neurology at George Washington Hospital University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.