Night terror

Night Terror

A depiction of a child experiencing a night terror.

Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are a type of parasomnia disorder characterized by episodes of intense fear, screaming, and flailing while still asleep. These episodes typically occur during the first third of the night during NREM sleep, specifically during slow-wave sleep.

Symptoms

Night terrors are often accompanied by autonomic symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and increased breathing rate. During an episode, the individual may appear to be awake, with their eyes open, but they are actually in a state of deep sleep and are usually unresponsive to external stimuli.

Causes

The exact cause of night terrors is not well understood, but they are believed to be related to central nervous system immaturity, which is why they are more common in children. Other factors that may contribute include sleep deprivation, stress, fever, and certain medications.

Diagnosis

Night terrors are typically diagnosed based on the description of the episodes. A sleep study may be conducted to rule out other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

Treatment

In many cases, treatment is not necessary as children often outgrow night terrors. However, ensuring a regular sleep schedule and a calming bedtime routine can help reduce the frequency of episodes. In severe cases, cognitive behavioral therapy or medication may be recommended.

Prognosis

Most children outgrow night terrors by adolescence. In adults, night terrors may be associated with other underlying conditions and may require further investigation.

Related pages

• Sleep disorder
• Parasomnia
• Sleepwalking
• Nightmare

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