Epilepsy, which leads to an enduring high tendency to generate epileptic seizures, is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of paroxysmal brain dysfunction due to abnormal synchronous neuronal discharges. Patients with epilepsy are usually comorbid with various sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome/periodic limb movement disorder (RLS/PLMD), chronic insomnia and narcolepsy. Frequent seizures may increase the risk of suffering from sleep disorders; conversely, poor control of sleep disorders exacerbates epilepsy. This review discusses common types of sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy, reveals potential mechanisms, and introduces new advances in the treatment of comorbidity between epilepsy and sleep disorders. The aim is to provide an overview of the close interactions between epilepsy and sleep disorders, providing new ideas and experiences for more effective treatment of sleep disorders and improving the prognosis of patients with epilepsy.