People living with epilepsy can reduce injury risk with simple, evidence-based precautions
Epilepsy safety at home focuses on preventing falls, burns, and drowning
Epilepsy workplace safety depends on awareness, reasonable adjustments, and avoiding high-risk tasks
Epilepsy travel safety requires medication planning, sleep regulation, and hydration
Seizure safety tips prioritize protection, not restraint
With proper precautions, many people with epilepsy live independently and travel safely
Living with epilepsy does not mean living in constant fear. With the right safety measures, awareness of personal triggers, and thoughtful planning, most people with epilepsy can lead active and independent lives. Safety is not about limiting freedom. It is about creating environments that reduce risk while preserving dignity, confidence, and autonomy.
Epilepsy affects more than 50 million people worldwide and remains one of the most misunderstood neurological conditions. Many seizure-related injuries are preventable with simple precautions and informed support. Creating safer homes, workplaces, and travel plans plays a crucial role in improving quality of life for people living with epilepsy.
International Epilepsy Day is observed on February 9, 2026, the second Monday of February, and is led globally by the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy. The 2026 theme, “#EpilepsyPledge – Turning Stories into Action,” emphasizes moving beyond awareness toward practical, real-world changes. Everyday safety measures at home, work, and during travel align directly with this goal by transforming knowledge into action.
MedBound Times connected with Dr. Bhanu Hima Kumar Gadamsetti, MBBS, DNB Internal Medicine, DrNB Neurology, CCDM, CCIDC, MRCP, currently a DrNB Academic Registrar in the Department of Neurology at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, for his expert clinical insights on sleep hygiene, seizure triggers, and practical safety measures for people living with epilepsy.
Home is where most people spend a significant portion of their time, making it the most common setting for seizure-related injuries. Small, intentional adjustments can greatly reduce risk.
Bathrooms are particularly hazardous due to hard surfaces and water exposure.
Showering is generally safer than bathing, as bathtubs increase the risk of drowning during a seizure.
Non-slip mats inside and outside the shower can help prevent falls.
Bathroom doors should ideally open outward or remain unlocked to allow quick access during emergencies.
Grab bars provide added support and stability.
Cooking can be done safely with added caution. According to Dr Bhanu Hima Kumar Gadamsetti, the kitchen is one of the highest-risk areas for people living with epilepsy, especially in Indian household settings where open flames and hot liquids are commonly used.
Handling hot liquids such as hot milk or oil carries a high risk of burns during a seizure.
Gas stoves, pressure cookers, sharp knives, mixers, and grinders should be used with extreme caution.
Cooking should ideally be done under supervision, especially if seizures are not well controlled.
Sleep deprivation is a well-recognized seizure trigger.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule with adequate rest.
Use low-height beds to reduce injury risk from falls.
Avoid sleeping on unprotected high bunk beds.
Some individuals may benefit from seizure alert devices, especially if nocturnal seizures are frequent.
“Sleep is a very important and crucial aspect of our life. Adequate sleep improves overall well-being and becomes especially important in people living with epilepsy.” says Dr. Bhanu Hima Kumar Gadamsetti
Sleep deprivation increases cortical hyperexcitability and disrupts normal sleep architecture, particularly reducing REM sleep and increasing non-REM sleep, which promotes epileptiform activity. This is why sleep-deprived EEG remains an important diagnostic tool in epilepsy.
Dr. Bhanu Hima Kumar Gadamsetti, MBBS, DNB Internal Medicine, DrNB Neurology, CCDM, CCIDC, MRCP
He advises maintaining 7 to 8 hours of sleep, avoiding caffeine after 2 p.m., limiting screen exposure before bedtime, having a light dinner, and taking antiepileptic medications regularly.
“Good sleep is not just a lifestyle habit. It is a therapeutic tool in epilepsy management.” he emphasizes.
According to neurologist Dr. Bhanu Hima Kumar Gadamsetti, practical sleep hygiene advice for people living with epilepsy includes:
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule with 7–8 hours of sleep every night
Avoiding caffeine intake after 2 p.m.
Avoiding screen exposure for at least one hour before bedtime
Not going to bed fasting and having a light, timely dinner
Taking antiepileptic medications regularly without missing doses
“Good sleep is not just a lifestyle habit. It is a therapeutic tool in epilepsy management.” he emphasizes.
Workplaces and educational institutions can be safe environments when awareness and preparedness are prioritized.
“People with epilepsy should avoid working at heights and near heavy machinery, especially if seizures are not fully controlled. These precautions are meant to prevent serious injuries, not to limit independence.” notes Dr. Bhanu Hima Kumar Gadamsetti.
Working at heights should be avoided due to the risk of serious injury during a seizure.
Exposure to heavy machinery is particularly dangerous and should be avoided unless seizures are fully controlled.
Disclosure of epilepsy is a personal decision. Informing a trusted supervisor or colleague can improve emergency response and allow reasonable adjustments such as flexible schedules or modified duties. In many regions, people with epilepsy are protected under disability and workplace safety laws.
In India, disability rights frameworks support reasonable workplace accommodations for chronic neurological conditions. Tasks involving heights, heavy machinery, or open flames should be avoided unless proper safeguards are in place.
In the United States, epilepsy is recognized as a protected disability under federal law. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so causes undue hardship. Discrimination based on epilepsy is prohibited.
Basic seizure first aid knowledge among coworkers and teachers can prevent panic and injury. They should know how to protect the person during a seizure and what actions to avoid, such as restraining movements or placing objects in the mouth.
With careful planning, travel is generally safe for people living with epilepsy.
Carry more medication than required for the duration of the trip.
Keep medicines in original containers along with prescriptions.
A brief medical letter can be helpful during international travel.
Consider travel insurance that covers pre-existing medical conditions.
Maintain medication schedules, adjusting for time zones when necessary.
Stay hydrated and minimize sleep deprivation.
Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine.
We usually recommend not driving, and preferably avoiding two-wheelers for travel, given the risk of sudden loss of control. Swimming should be avoided until seizures are well controlled, as there is a significant risk of drowning even with brief loss of consciousness.
Dr. Bhanu Hima Kumar Gadamsetti, MBBS, DNB Internal Medicine, DrNB Neurology, CCDM, CCIDC, MRCP
Driving is usually discouraged until seizures are well controlled.
Two-wheelers are considered particularly high risk due to sudden loss of control during a seizure.
In India, driving is usually discouraged until a person has been seizure-free for a medically recommended period. Two-wheelers are considered particularly high risk.
In the United States, driving laws vary by state, but most require a seizure-free interval ranging from 3 to 12 months with physician certification. Epilepsy alone does not restrict air travel.
Swimming should be avoided until seizures are well controlled, as even brief loss of consciousness can lead to drowning.
Supervised swimming is strongly recommended.
Regular physical activity is encouraged and beneficial. Walking, yoga, and supervised gym workouts are generally safe. Swimming should always be supervised. Stress management, medication adherence, and trigger avoidance remain essential components of seizure control.
“Safety measures are not meant to restrict life. They are life-saving, especially at home and in the workplace.” explains Dr. Bhanu Hima Kumar Gadamsetti. “Good medication compliance, regular follow-up, and proper sleep hygiene are key to preventing seizure recurrence.”
Stay calm and ensure the person is in a safe position.
Protect the head and loosen tight clothing.
Do not restrain movements and do not place anything in the mouth.
Seek emergency care if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, repeats without recovery, or causes serious injury.
Epilepsy does not define a person’s potential. With appropriate treatment, informed safety planning, and community support, many people with epilepsy live independently, pursue careers, travel, and maintain fulfilling lives. Education and preparedness remain the strongest tools in reducing injury and stigma.
Is it safe to live independently with epilepsy?
Yes. Many people with epilepsy live independently when seizures are reasonably controlled and basic safety precautions are followed at home, work, and during daily activities.
What should you avoid if you have epilepsy?
People with epilepsy should avoid known seizure triggers such as sleep deprivation, missed medications, excessive alcohol, and high-risk activities like working at heights if seizures are uncontrolled.
Can people with epilepsy travel safely?
Yes. With proper medication planning, sleep management, and hydration, travel is generally safe for people living with epilepsy.
World Health Organization. “Epilepsy.” Accessed January 2026. https://www.who.int/health-topics/epilepsy
International League Against Epilepsy. “Seizure Safety and First Aid.” Accessed January 2026. https://www.ilae.org
International Bureau for Epilepsy. “International Epilepsy Day.” Accessed January 2026. https://internationalepilepsyday.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Living with Epilepsy.” Accessed January 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy
Fisher, Robert S., et al. “Operational Classification of Seizure Types by the International League Against Epilepsy.” Epilepsia 58, no. 4 (2017): 522–530. https://doi.org/10.1111/epi.13670
