Staying Safe and Managing Epilepsy at Christmas: Practical Guidance for Families and Carers

The Christmas season is a time for joy, connection and celebration, but it can also be a period of disruption and stress, particularly for people living with epilepsy. Changes in routine, festive lights, social gatherings and travel can all influence seizure control and wellbeing.

By planning ahead and staying aware of potential triggers, families, carers and support staff can help ensure a safe, enjoyable and relaxed festive period for everyone.

Understanding the festive risks

While Christmas is a time for fun and togetherness, it’s also a season filled with environmental and lifestyle changes that can affect epilepsy management. Here are some of the most common challenges to be aware of:

1. Disrupted routines

Late nights, irregular meals and forgotten medication are all common during the holidays. Unfortunately, these small changes can add up and increase seizure risk.

Encourage consistent medication schedules and meal times, even on busy days. If travel is involved, make sure medication is packed in hand luggage and accessible at all times.

2. Lack of sleep

Sleep deprivation is one of the most significant seizure triggers. Late-night events, early starts or sharing accommodation with family can all interfere with rest.

If possible, plan downtime into each day and prioritise regular sleep schedules. Carers and support workers should be alert to signs of fatigue and encourage rest when needed.

3. Stress and emotional overload

Christmas can bring emotional highs and lows. From social pressure and financial strain to sensory overload at gatherings. Stress can have a physiological impact and may lower seizure thresholds.

Training staff to recognise early signs of stress or agitation and to respond calmly can make a big difference in maintaining stability and comfort.

Photosensitive triggers at Christmas

Festive lighting and decorations

Flashing fairy lights, strobe effects at events and bright reflective decorations can all pose risks for people with photosensitive epilepsy.

To stay safe:

• Choose steady, non-flashing Christmas lights where possible
  
• Avoid LED lights that flicker rapidly
  
• Keep lighting consistent in rooms where someone with epilepsy spends time
  
• Position decorations so they don’t cause glare or reflection from screens or windows
  

If attending public events, check in advance whether flashing lights or special effects will be used, and make alternate arrangements if needed.

Screen use and digital devices

With more time spent indoors, screen use often increases. Watching Christmas films, gaming or video calling loved ones can all contribute to visual strain. Encourage breaks from screens, lower screen brightness and use the “night mode” feature to reduce flicker and contrast.

Alcohol, food and medication considerations

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol can interact with anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and increase seizure risk. Even moderate drinking can lead to disrupted sleep or dehydration.

If alcohol is consumed, moderation is key, and medication schedules should never be compromised. Carers should remain alert to subtle signs of drowsiness or unsteadiness that could indicate medication interaction.

Rich foods and hydration

Festive foods are often high in salt, sugar and caffeine — all of which can affect hydration and sleep quality. Encourage regular water intake and balanced meals to help stabilise the body’s natural rhythms.

Medication reminders

Busy days can make it easy to forget medication. Using phone alarms, labelled organisers or carer checklists helps ensure nothing is missed. Always travel with extra medication in case of delays or lost luggage.

Managing social gatherings and travel

Navigating busy environments

Crowded venues, flashing lights and loud music can all contribute to stress and overstimulation. If possible, plan quieter activities, identify calm spaces, and ensure staff know how to respond in case of a seizure.

Travelling safely

If travelling long distances, plan rest stops, keep medication close to hand, and communicate care needs in advance with transport or accommodation providers. Travel insurance should always include full medical cover.

Supporting emotional wellbeing at Christmas

The festive season can also bring feelings of loneliness or anxiety, particularly for people living with epilepsy. Encouraging inclusion, open conversation and gentle participation can make a huge difference. Even small gestures, such as inviting someone into group activities at their own pace or ensuring rest breaks are respected can help build comfort and confidence.

Training and preparedness

Epilepsy training is especially valuable during the Christmas period, when staffing levels may change and routines are less predictable. Refresher sessions can help teams:

• Recognise early signs of stress or fatigue
  
• Manage seizures calmly and safely in social or public settings
  
• Understand how lighting and sensory triggers affect risk
  
• Update emergency and care plans before the holiday period
  

Trained staff create safer, more supportive environments — even when the festive season is in full swing.

Conclusion

Christmas should be a time of warmth and connection, not worry. With awareness, planning and the right training, families and care teams can enjoy a festive season that’s safe, calm and inclusive for everyone living with epilepsy.

For professional epilepsy training, awareness sessions or care plan support, contact National Epilepsy Training to learn how we can help prepare your team for every season.