Pavor nocturnus
Pavor nocturnus
Pavor nocturnus (pronunciation: /ˈpeɪvɔːr nɒkˈtɜːrnəs/), also known as night terrors, is a sleep disorder characterized by feelings of terror or dread, and typically occurs during the first hours of stage 3-4 non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
Etymology
The term "pavor nocturnus" is derived from the Latin words "pavor" meaning "fear" and "nocturnus" meaning "night". It was first used in medical literature in the 19th century.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pavor nocturnus include sudden awakening from sleep, intense fear and screaming, confusion upon waking, and no memory of the event upon fully waking. The person may also have a racing heart and sweating.
Causes
The exact cause of pavor nocturnus is unknown, but it is thought to be related to stress and anxiety. It is also more common in people with a family history of sleep disorders, particularly sleepwalking and nightmares.
Treatment
Treatment for pavor nocturnus often involves improving sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a calm sleep environment. In some cases, medication may be prescribed.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pavor nocturnus
- Wikipedia's article - Pavor nocturnus
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