New study finds low oxygen during sleep, sleep apnea linked to epilepsy in older adults

LOS ANGELES, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Sleep apnea and low oxygen levels while sleeping are associated with epilepsy that first occurs after 60 years of age, known as late-onset epilepsy, according to a new study funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The link was independent of other known risk factors for late-onset epilepsy and sleep apnea including hypertension and stroke, NIH said on Tuesday.