Gina Johnson
Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, are episodes of extreme panic and fear that occur during sleep. They are characterised by intense vocalisations, motility, and high levels of autonomic discharge. Sleep terrors usually last between one and 40 minutes, and the person experiencing them often has no memory of the episode the next day. Sleep terrors are more common in children than adults, with an estimated occurrence in 1% to 6.5% of children between the ages of one and 12. They tend to run in families, and while they can be distressing, they are generally not medically significant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Night terrors, pavor nocturnus |
| Occurrence | Rare in adults, common in children |
| Age Group | Peak age in children: 18 months, 3-7 years, 4-12 years |
| Occurrence Rate | 1-6.5% of children aged 1-12 years |
| Duration | 1-40 minutes |
| Symptoms | Screaming, crying, shouting, flailing, violent movement, sitting up, jumping out of bed, rapid heart rate, sweating, dilated pupils, confusion, incoherent speech, anxiety |
| Aftermath | Usually followed by deep sleep, no memory of episode |
| Causes | Sleep deprivation, fever, stress, certain medications, genetics, family history, PTSD, trauma |
| Treatment | No treatment, reassurance, parental education, clonazepam, tricyclic antidepressants, psychotherapy |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep terrors are a type of parasomnia
Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, are episodes of extreme panic and fear that occur during sleep. They are characterised by intense vocalisations, motility, and high levels of autonomic discharge. Sleep terrors are considered a disorder of impaired arousal. They are distinct from nightmares, as individuals experiencing sleep terrors do not recall their dreams upon waking, and often do not remember the episode in the morning. Sleep terrors are a type of parasomnia, a group of sleep disorders that affect sleep movements and behaviours. They occur during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage of sleep, usually in the first part of the night, and can last between one and 40 minutes.
Sleep terrors are more common in children, with an estimated prevalence of 1% to 6.5% among those aged one to 12 years. They typically occur in children aged four to 12 years, with a peak between the ages of three and seven. Children may sit up or jump out of bed, scream, cry, or shout, and exhibit signs of fear such as sweating, a rapid heart rate, and dilated pupils. Sleep terrors in children are often associated with bedwetting, sleepwalking, and sleep talking. They are usually not indicative of any underlying condition and tend to resolve as children grow older.
Sleep terrors are less common in adults, with an estimated prevalence of 2%. When they do occur in adults, they may be indicative of an underlying mental health condition, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety disorder. Adults experiencing sleep terrors may scream, cry, or try to jump out of bed, and they may have no memory of these actions. Sleep terrors in adults can be associated with exhaustion, daytime sleepiness, and dependence on sleep medications or alcohol.
The causes of sleep terrors can vary and may include developmental, environmental, organic, psychological, and genetic factors. Stress, fever, certain medications, and sleep deprivation have also been identified as potential triggers. Sleep terrors can run in families, with a higher likelihood of occurrence if a family member also experiences them. In most cases, no specific treatment is required beyond reassurance and parental education. However, if sleep terrors are frequent and severe, medical intervention may be considered, such as short-term use of medications like clonazepam.
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They are characterised by extreme terror and panic
Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, are episodes of extreme terror and panic that occur during sleep. They are characterised by intense vocalisations, such as screaming, shouting, or crying, as well as physical movements like jumping out of bed, thrashing, or flailing limbs. The person experiencing a sleep terror may exhibit signs of fear, including sweating, a rapid heart rate, and dilated pupils. These episodes can last anywhere from a few minutes to up to 40 minutes, and the person usually falls back asleep when the episode ends, often with no memory of the event.
Sleep terrors are more common in children, with an estimated prevalence of 1% to 6.5% among children between the ages of 1 and 12 years old. They typically occur in children between the ages of 4 and 12, with a peak between 5 and 7 years of age. Children may have partial wake behaviours, such as kicking, mumbling, or unclear speech, and they often do not remember the episode in the morning. Sleep terrors in children are usually not a cause for concern and tend to resolve as the child gets older.
While sleep terrors are less common in adults, they can occur and may be indicative of an underlying mental health condition, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety disorder. Adults may be more injury-prone during sleep terror episodes due to their tendency to get out of bed suddenly. Sleep terrors in adults can be managed with psychotherapy, focusing on exposure and stress management using cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, or relaxation therapy.
Sleep terrors are distinct from nightmares. Nightmares involve the recall of vivid, frightening dreams, while sleep terrors are characterised by a sudden arousal from sleep, with no memory of a dream. Sleep terrors typically occur during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage of sleep, usually in the first part of the night, while nightmares generally happen during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage, more commonly in the second half of the night.
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Sleep terrors are more common in children
Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, are episodes of extreme panic and fear that occur during sleep. They are characterised by intense vocalisations, motility, and high levels of autonomic discharge. Sleep terrors are considered a disorder of impaired arousal.
Several factors have been identified as potential contributors to sleep terrors in children. These include developmental, environmental, organic, psychological, and genetic factors. Sleep deprivation, stress, fever, and a family history of sleepwalking or night terrors are also associated with an increased risk of sleep terrors in children. Ensuring good sleep hygiene and an appropriate sleeping environment can help reduce the likelihood of sleep terrors.
While sleep terrors can be distressing for both children and their caregivers, they are generally not medically significant and are considered benign. Most children outgrow sleep terrors by late adolescence or adulthood. In rare cases where sleep terrors severely impact a child's daily activities, medical intervention may be considered. Short-term use of medications such as clonazepam or tricyclic antidepressants might be prescribed, along with psychotherapy to address any underlying trauma or stress.
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They are not medically significant
Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, can be a frightening experience for both the person affected and those witnessing the event. Despite their scary nature, sleep terrors are not medically significant for several reasons.
Firstly, sleep terrors are relatively common, especially in children, with an estimated prevalence of up to 6% in this population. They are considered a type of sleep disorder, but they do not indicate any underlying medical or psychiatric condition. Sleep terrors are typically not a cause for concern unless they occur frequently and impact an individual's overall quality of sleep and daily functioning. In most cases, sleep terrors are brief, infrequent, and do not require medical treatment.
Unlike nightmares, sleep terrors occur during the deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement (NEM) sleep, usually in the first few hours after falling asleep. During a sleep terror episode, the person may suddenly sit up in bed, scream, or exhibit signs of extreme fear, with increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and sweating. They may also have a blank expression or glassy eyes and be unresponsive to their surroundings. However, these episodes are not harmful and usually resolve on their own within a few minutes.
While the exact causes of sleep terrors are not fully understood, they are often associated with factors such as sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, or certain medications. They can also have a genetic component, as they tend to run in families. Addressing these underlying factors can help reduce the frequency and severity of sleep terror episodes. In most cases, no further medical intervention is needed, and the individual can expect to outgrow the condition with time.
It's important to distinguish sleep terrors from other sleep disorders or medical conditions, such as sleepwalking or nocturnal seizures. Sleep terrors differ from nightmares in terms of the sleeper's awareness and the ability to recall the event afterward. While nightmares can be disturbing and cause an individual to wake up completely, sleep terror episodes often occur with minimal or no recollection of the event the next day.
In summary, sleep terrors can be distressing to witness, but they are typically not a cause for medical concern. They do not indicate any serious underlying condition and usually resolve on their own without requiring treatment. However, if sleep terrors occur frequently and impact an individual's well-being or daily life, it may be advisable to consult a sleep specialist or healthcare provider to rule out other sleep disorders and discuss management strategies.
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Sleep terrors can be caused by sleep deprivation
Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, are episodes of extreme panic and terror associated with intense vocalisation and motility. They are characterised by abrupt awakening from sleep, with the person sitting upright in bed or jumping out of bed, screaming in terror, and exhibiting signs of fear and panic. Sleep terrors usually occur during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage of sleep, within the first three hours of falling asleep. While sleep terrors can occur at any age, they are more commonly observed in children between the ages of 3 and 12 years old, with a peak between 5 and 7 years of age.
Sleep deprivation is a significant factor that can contribute to sleep terrors. Ensuring adequate sleep and maintaining good sleep hygiene are crucial in preventing sleep terrors. This involves establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimising the sleeping environment. For children, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends specific sleep durations based on age to promote optimal health: infants (4-12 months) should get 12-16 hours, toddlers (1-2 years) should get 11-14 hours, children (3-5 years) should get 10-13 hours, kids (6-12 years) should get 9-12 hours, and teenagers (13-18 years) should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per 24-hour period.
Additionally, addressing underlying factors that contribute to sleep deprivation is essential. This includes managing stress, treating intercurrent illnesses, and minimising exposure to loud noises or disruptive sleeping environments. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine can help alleviate stress and promote better sleep. This may include activities such as taking a warm bath or engaging in light reading before bedtime. It is also recommended to avoid screen time at least an hour before going to bed, as the blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the body's natural sleep cycle.
In cases where sleep deprivation persists or sleep terrors become frequent and severe, short-term medical interventions may be considered. For example, clonazepam may be prescribed to help manage severe sleep terrors or those associated with functional impairment, such as fatigue and daytime sleepiness. However, medical intervention is generally not necessary, and parental education and reassurance are often sufficient. It is important to note that attempts to wake someone during a sleep terror episode should be avoided, as this can be disorienting and frightening for the individual.
While sleep deprivation can be a contributing factor to sleep terrors, it is important to recognise that other factors also play a role. These factors include developmental, environmental, organic, psychological, and genetic influences. Understanding these factors and their potential impact on sleep terrors can help inform appropriate management strategies and interventions.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, are episodes of extreme terror and panic associated with intense vocalization and motility, and high levels of autonomic discharge that occur suddenly during sleep. Sleep terrors are a type of parasomnia, a sleep disorder that causes irregular sleep behaviour.
During a sleep terror episode, a person may suddenly sit up, jump out of bed, scream, cry, or flail their arms and legs. They may also experience sweating, a rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, flushed face, agitation, and tremors. Sleep terrors usually last between one and 30 minutes, and the person often falls back to sleep when the episode ends.
The exact cause of sleep terrors is not yet known, but several factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing them. These include young age, sleep deprivation, medications, stress, fever, intrinsic sleep disorders, genetics, and family history. Sleep terrors are also more common in children and tend to occur during the first half of a sleep cycle, specifically during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
Nightmares are bad dreams that occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and cause feelings of horror or fear. While nightmares can be scary, they are distinct from sleep terrors, which involve a more intense state of fear and panic. After a nightmare, a person typically wakes up and recalls the frightening dream. In contrast, a person experiencing sleep terrors may not fully awaken and often does not remember the episode the next day.
Sleep terrors usually do not require medical intervention and are more common in children, with most growing out of them by late adolescence. However, if sleep terrors are frequent and severe, medical treatments such as short-term medication or anticipatory awakening techniques may be considered. Improving sleep hygiene and addressing underlying conditions or precipitating factors can also help reduce the occurrence of sleep terrors.
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