Behavioral and genetic effects promoted by sleep deprivation in rats submitted to pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus

► The interaction between sleep deprivation and epilepsy is complex. ► This interaction is of great clinical importance. ► Few studies using a translational framework have been conducted on this topic. ► Selective and total sleep deprivation causes DNA damage in epileptic rat brain. ► There are potential health risks of acute sleep deprivation in epilepsy patients.