A night terror, also known as a sleep terror, is a type of sleep disturbance that falls under the category of parasomnias—unusual behaviors or experiences that occur during sleep. Night terrors are characterized by sudden arousals from deep sleep accompanied by intense fear, screaming, flailing, or other signs of distress. Unlike nightmares, which occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and are typically remembered the next morning, night terrors occur during non-REM (NREM) sleep, particularly in stage 3, the deepest phase of sleep.
What sets night terrors apart is the intensity of the reaction and the fact that the person experiencing one usually has no memory of the event. These episodes are most common in children, particularly between the ages of 3 and 8, though adults can experience them as well, often as a result of stress, trauma, or other sleep disruptions.
Characteristics of a Night Terror
A night terror usually begins with a sudden awakening from deep sleep, often within the first one to two hours of falling asleep. The person may sit upright in bed, eyes wide open, breathing heavily, sweating, and possibly screaming or crying. They may thrash about or appear panicked, and although their eyes are open, they are not fully awake. In fact, they may be unresponsive to attempts to console or wake them.
The episode may last anywhere from a few seconds to a multiple minutes. Afterward, the person often settles back into sleep without fully waking up. In the morning, they may have little or no recollection of what happened. This lack of memory distinguishes night terrors from nightmares, which people can usually recall in vivid detail.
Night Terrors vs. Nightmares
It’s common to confuse night terrors with nightmares, but they are quite different in several key ways:
Timing: Night terrors occur during non-REM sleep, usually early in the night. Nightmares occur during REM sleep, often in the later stages of sleep.
Awareness and Memory: People experiencing night terrors are usually not fully awake and do not remember the episode. Those who have nightmares typically wake up and remember the dream clearly.
Physical Reactions: Night terrors involve intense physical reactions such as screaming, flailing, and signs of panic. Nightmares may cause a person to wake up feeling scared or anxious, but usually without extreme physical responses.
Duration: Night terrors tend to be short and intense, while nightmares may feel longer due to their vivid, narrative-like structure.
Causes and Triggers
The exact cause of night terrors is not completely understood, but they are believed to result from abnormal arousals during deep sleep. Instead of transitioning smoothly through the stages of sleep, the brain becomes suddenly and partially awake. This can create a state where the body reacts strongly, but the mind remains disconnected from full consciousness.
Several factors can trigger or increase the likelihood of night terrors:
Sleep deprivation or irregular sleep schedules
Stress, anxiety, or emotional tension
Illness or fever (especially in children)
Sleeping in a new or unfamiliar environment
Certain medications that affect the central nervous system
Underlying sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome
Family history: There may be a genetic component, as night terrors often run in families
In adults, night terrors can sometimes be linked to mental health issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or substance use. In rare cases, they may be a symptom of a neurological condition that disrupts normal sleep patterns.
Who Experiences Night Terrors?
Night terrors are most frequently seen in children, particularly during early childhood. Many children outgrow them by adolescence. The developing brain, along with changes in sleep cycles, makes children more susceptible to this type of sleep disruption.
Although less common in adults, night terrors do occur and are often more complex when they do. Adult episodes may involve behaviors such as jumping out of bed, running, or attempting to escape perceived danger. These actions can sometimes lead to injury and may require medical evaluation, especially if they occur frequently.
Diagnosis and When to Seek Help
A single night terror episode is usually not cause for concern, particularly in children. However, if night terrors are frequent, disrupt sleep regularly, or lead to dangerous behaviors, it may be necessary to consult a doctor or sleep specialist.
Diagnosis is typically made based on a description of the symptoms and sleep history. In some cases, a sleep study (polysomnography) may be recommended to rule out other conditions such as sleep apnea or seizures.
Treatment and Management
There is no specific medication needed for night terrors in most cases, and treatment often involves non-pharmacological strategies aimed at improving overall sleep quality:
Establish a consistent bedtime routine to promote restful sleep
Ensure adequate sleep to prevent overtiredness, which can trigger night terrors
Reduce stress and anxiety through calming activities before bed, such as reading or gentle music
Create a safe sleep environment, especially for those who might get out of bed during an episode
Avoid caffeine or stimulating activities close to bedtime
In adults, if night terrors are linked to psychological stress or trauma, therapy or counseling may be helpful. In rare and severe cases, medications such as low-dose benzodiazepines (i.e., clonazepam) or antidepressants may be considered under medical supervision.
Conclusion
A night terror is a dramatic and frightening event, often involving intense fear, physical movement, and confusion—but it is fundamentally different from a nightmare. Rooted in the deepest stages of non-REM sleep, night terrors can feel as alarming for observers as they are bewildering for those who experience them.
Although they can be distressing, especially when frequent, night terrors are usually not harmful and often diminish over time—especially in children. Understanding what night terrors are, how they differ from other sleep disturbances, and what triggers them can help families and individuals manage them with greater confidence and peace of mind.
This article was created using OpenAI’s ChatGPT on May 16, 2025 and it was personally reviewed and edited by Brandon Peters, M.D. to ensure its accuracy. This use of augmented intelligence in this way allows the creation of health information that can be trusted.