Night terror: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Night terror | |||
| image = [[File:Frans_Verhas_-_Inconsolable.png|250px]] | |||
| alt = A painting depicting a child in distress | |||
| caption = "Inconsolable" by Frans Verhas | |||
| field = [[Sleep medicine]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Screaming]], [[sweating]], [[confusion]], [[rapid heart rate]] | |||
| onset = Typically in [[childhood]] | |||
| duration = A few minutes | |||
| types = [[Parasomnia]] | |||
| causes = [[Stress]], [[sleep deprivation]], [[fever]], [[sleep apnea]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]], [[anxiety]] | |||
| diagnosis = Based on [[clinical history]] | |||
| differential = [[Nightmare disorder]], [[seizure disorder]] | |||
| prevention = [[Good sleep hygiene]], [[stress management]] | |||
| treatment = [[Reassurance]], [[psychotherapy]], [[medication]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally resolves with age | |||
| frequency = Common in children, rare in adults | |||
}} | |||
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Night Terror}} | {{DISPLAYTITLE: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 [[non-rapid eye movement sleep|NREM sleep]], specifically during [[slow-wave sleep]]. | '''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 [[non-rapid eye movement sleep|NREM sleep]], specifically during [[slow-wave sleep]]. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Night terrors are often accompanied by [[autonomic nervous system|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. | Night terrors are often accompanied by [[autonomic nervous system|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== | ==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. | 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== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Night terrors are typically diagnosed based on the description of the episodes. A [[polysomnography|sleep study]] may be conducted to rule out other sleep disorders such as [[sleep apnea]]. | Night terrors are typically diagnosed based on the description of the episodes. A [[polysomnography|sleep study]] may be conducted to rule out other sleep disorders such as [[sleep apnea]]. | ||
==Treatment== | ==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. | 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== | ==Prognosis== | ||
Most children outgrow night terrors by adolescence. In adults, night terrors may be associated with other underlying conditions and may require further investigation. | Most children outgrow night terrors by adolescence. In adults, night terrors may be associated with other underlying conditions and may require further investigation. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Sleep disorder]] | * [[Sleep disorder]] | ||
* [[Parasomnia]] | * [[Parasomnia]] | ||
* [[Sleepwalking]] | * [[Sleepwalking]] | ||
* [[Nightmare]] | * [[Nightmare]] | ||
{{Mental and behavioural disorders|selected = physical}} | {{Mental and behavioural disorders|selected = physical}} | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:03, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Night terror | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Screaming, sweating, confusion, rapid heart rate |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Typically in childhood |
| Duration | A few minutes |
| Types | Parasomnia |
| Causes | Stress, sleep deprivation, fever, sleep apnea |
| Risks | Family history, anxiety |
| Diagnosis | Based on clinical history |
| Differential diagnosis | Nightmare disorder, seizure disorder |
| Prevention | Good sleep hygiene, stress management |
| Treatment | Reassurance, psychotherapy, medication |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally resolves with age |
| Frequency | Common in children, rare in adults |
| Deaths | N/A |
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
Most children outgrow night terrors by adolescence. In adults, night terrors may be associated with other underlying conditions and may require further investigation.
See also[edit]
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