Indian television actor Anuj Thakur died at the age of 33 after reportedly suffering a seizure in his sleep. Thakur, who appeared in television shows like Dhoom Machao Dhoom and Bandhan Saath Janmon Ka, died at his Mumbai home on October 27. His friend and casting director Rupesh Sonar confirmed the news on November 2, saying the actor's family had told him that Thakur suffered a seizure during the night.Speaking to The Indian Express, Sonar recalled, “I was shocked to hear that he had gone to sleep at night and never woke up.”He also revealed that Thakur had experienced another seizure earlier in 2026 and was getting treated for it. According to Sonar, the actor's mother found him unresponsive when she went to wake him in the morning.Although the exact medical cause of Thakur's death has not been confirmed yet, the incident raises questions about when seizures occurring during sleep can become life-threatening.What Conditions May Cause Nocturnal Seizures?Also read: Woman With Epilepsy Dies After Following ChatGPT’s Advice To Stop Medication: Why AI Cannot Replace A DoctorNocturnal seizures can occur due to many conditions, including epilepsy, brain infections, strokes and brain injuries, electrolyte imbalance, alcohol or drugs withdrawal.EpilepsyEpilepsy is the most common condition that can lead to repeated nocturnal seizures. Changes in brain electrical activity during different sleep stages can make seizures more likely in susceptible individuals. Certain forms are commonly associated with sleep. They include:Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy, previously called nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsyJuvenile myoclonic epilepsyEpilepsy with generalised tonic-clonic seizures aloneOther epilepsy syndromesBrain infectionsInfections affecting the brain like meningitis and encephalitis, can cause seizures by triggering inflammation and disrupting normal electrical activity in the brain.Stroke and brain injuriesA stroke, bleeding in the brain or traumatic brain injury can damage brain tissue and trigger seizures. These may occur during sleep or even while awake.Electrolyte disturbancesCertain abnormalities in the body's chemistry can trigger seizures. These disturbances can affect the electrical signalling between nerve cells. They include:Severe hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)Low blood sodium Low calcium levelsAlcohol or drug withdrawalHeavy alcohol use followed by sudden withdrawal can trigger seizures. Certain recreational drugs, including cocaine and amphetamines, can also provoke seizures.Certain medicationsSome medicines, including particular antidepressants and pain medications, can lower the seizure threshold, especially at high doses or in susceptible individuals.Also read: What Causes Epilepsy? 5 Common Reasons Why It HappensWhat Can Be Done To Prevent Nocturnal Seizures?Anti-seizure medicines should be taken according to the schedule prescribed by the doctor. People who continue to experience seizures should consult their neurologist to review their treatment. Doctors may adjust doses, change medicines or consider other treatment options depending on the cause and frequency of seizures.The Epilepsy Foundation also recommends maintaining regular sleep patterns, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and identifying seizure triggers.For people who experience frequent seizures during sleep, nocturnal supervision may be considered. This can include having someone nearby who can provide assistance during the seizure. What Should Someone Do During A Seizure?Knowing seizure first aid can help prevent injuries and other complications. If someone experiences a seizure:Move nearby objects away to prevent injuries.Cushion their head with something soft.Loosen tight clothing around the neck.Turn them gently onto their side when possible, particularly after the convulsions stop.Do not restrain their movements or put anything inside their mouth.Monitor and time the seizure and stay with the person until they recover.Emergency medical assistance is necessary if a seizure lasts five minutes or longer, another seizure begins before the person recovers, breathing becomes difficult or the person is injured.