Night terrors are intense episodes of fear that occur during deep non-REM sleep, usually in the first third of the night. Unlike nightmares, the person is often not fully awake and usually does not remember the episode in the morning.

Q: What are night terrors?

Night terrors are sudden episodes of extreme fear during deep sleep, often involving screaming, sweating, and rapid breathing.

Q: Are night terrors the same as nightmares?

No, nightmares occur during REM sleep and are usually remembered, while night terrors happen during deep sleep and are rarely recalled.

Q: Who commonly experiences night terrors?

They are most common in children but can also occur in adults, especially during periods of stress or sleep deprivation.

Q: What happens during a night terror?

A person may sit up in bed, scream, appear terrified, have a racing heart, and be difficult to wake.

Q: Can someone be comforted during an episode?

It is often difficult because the person is not fully awake and may be confused or unresponsive.

Q: Do people remember night terrors?

Most people have little or no memory of the event the next morning.

Q: Are night terrors dangerous?

They are not usually medically dangerous, but injury can occur if the person thrashes or leaves the bed suddenly.

Q: What triggers night terrors?

Common triggers include sleep deprivation, stress, fever (in children), alcohol, or certain medications.

Q: How are night terrors treated?

Treatment focuses on improving sleep consistency, reducing stress, and addressing underlying conditions; medication is rarely needed.