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Night terror
Pavor nocturnus; Sleep terror disorder
Night terrors (sleep terrors) are a sleep disorder in which a person quickly wakes from sleep in a terrified state.
Causes
The cause is unknown, but night terrors may be triggered by:
- Fever
- Lack of sleep
-
Periods of emotional
tension
,
stress
, or conflict
Tension
Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stres...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleStress
Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stres...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
Night terrors are most common in children ages 3 through 7, and much less common after that. Night terrors may run in families. They can occur in adults, especially when there is emotional tension or alcohol use.
Symptoms
Night terrors are most common during the first third of the night, often between midnight and 2 a.m.
- Children often scream and are very frightened and confused. They thrash around violently and are often not aware of their surroundings.
- The child may not be able to respond to being talked to, comforted, or awakened.
-
The child may be sweating, breathing very fast (
hyperventilating
), have a
fast heart rate
, and widened (dilated) pupils.
Hyperventilating
Hyperventilation is rapid and deep breathing. It is also called overbreathing, and it may leave you feeling breathless.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleFast heart rate
A bounding pulse is a strong throbbing felt over one of the arteries in the body. It is due to a forceful heartbeat.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - The spell may last 10 to 20 minutes, then the child goes back to sleep.
Most children are unable to explain what happened the next morning. They often have no memory of the event when they wake up the next day.
Children with night terrors may also sleep walk .
Sleep walk
Sleepwalking is a disorder that occurs when people walk or do other activity while they are still asleep.
In contrast, nightmares are more common in the early morning. They may occur after someone watches frightening movies or TV shows, or has an emotional experience. A person may remember the details of a dream after waking up and will not be disoriented after the episode.
Nightmares
A nightmare is a bad dream that brings out strong feelings of fear, terror, distress, or anxiety.
Exams and Tests
In many cases, no further examination or testing is needed. If the night terror is severe or prolonged, the child may need a psychological evaluation.
Treatment
In many cases, a child who has a night terror only needs to be comforted.
Reducing stress or using coping mechanisms may reduce night terrors. Talk therapy or counseling may be needed in some cases.
Medicines prescribed for use at bedtime will often reduce night terrors, but are rarely used to treat this disorder.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most children outgrow night terrors. Episodes usually decrease after age 10.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
- Night terrors occur often
- They disrupt sleep on a regular basis
- Other symptoms occur with the night terror
- The night terror causes, or almost causes, injuries
Prevention
Minimizing stress or using coping mechanisms may reduce night terrors.
References
Owens JA. Sleep medicine. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 19.
Review Date: 4/21/2015
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
