Depriving a child of sleep on the night before an EEG has been shown to increase the chance of the test finding a problem. This is especially important in some children -- please ask your child's doctor if this applies to your child. It will also help your child sleep comfortably during part of the test. In some children, sleep deprivation could increase the risk of having a seizure -- please ask your child's doctor if you have concerns.
You may follow the guidelines below. Remember not to let your child nap on the way to the EEG, as this will cancel the effects of the sleep deprivation.
- Infant to two-year-old: Wake up early (e.g., 6:00 a.m.)
- Two-year-old to four-year-old: Keep up a few additional hours past their bedtime and wake up early (e.g., 6:00 a.m.)
- Five-year-old to 12-year-old: Keep up until midnight, then wake up at 6:00 a.m.
- 13-year-old and older: Keep up until 2:00 a.m. and wake up at 6:00 a.m.