Night terrors are sleep disturbances in which a person is partially awake and partially asleep, experiencing intense fear or panic. During an episode, you might scream, get out of bed, or move violently. Most people go back to sleep once the episode ends and have no memory of it the next morning. A healthcare provider can help manage night terrors.
How night terrors occur
Night terrors (also called sleep terrors) happen when the brain is in a mixed state of sleep and wakefulness. This triggers a sudden feeling of panic or fear. You or your child may sit up or jump out of bed, cry, scream, sweat, and have a rapid heartbeat. Episodes usually last 1–30 minutes, after which the person typically falls back asleep. Night terrors are hard to interrupt, and caregivers often struggle to calm the person during an episode. Studies estimate that 1%–6.5% of children aged 1–12 experience night terrors. They are less common in adults.
Night terrors in children
Children aged 3–7 are at higher risk for night terrors. Most outgrow them by adolescence or adulthood. During an episode, children may appear dazed, with eyes open or closed, and are usually unresponsive to attempts at consolation. They may exhibit partial awake behaviors such as kicking, mumbling, or unclear speech. Children with sleep terrors may be more likely to sleepwalk later, experience bedwetting, and generally do not remember the event in the morning.
Night terrors in adults
Adults experience night terrors less frequently. Because adults may suddenly get out of bed, they can be more prone to injury during an episode. Night terrors in adults often signal an underlying mental health condition, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or an anxiety disorder.
Difference between night terrors and nightmares
While night terrors and nightmares can seem similar, they are different. Nightmares occur during REM sleep, are often remembered, and rarely involve violent behavior. Night terrors occur during non-REM sleep, involve intense fear and physical activity, and are usually forgotten the next day.
Symptoms of Night Terrors
Night terrors can include:
• Confusion
• Difficulty waking up
• Fear or panic
• Lack of awareness of surroundings
• Inability to respond to comforting or someone talking
• No memory of the event the next morning
Triggers of Night Terrors
Night terrors may be triggered by:
1. Emotional tension
2. Stress or anxiety
3. Fever
4. Obstructive sleep apnea
5. Sleep deprivation
Complications of Night Terrors
Night terrors can disrupt sleep and reduce sleep quality. Physical injuries are possible because episodes often involve thrashing or violent movements. Children and adults may fall out of bed or hit furniture, sometimes resulting in bruises or more serious injuries that require medical attention.
Home Remedies for Night Terrors
For children:
• Make the bedroom safe to prevent injuries.
• Maintain a calming bedtime routine.
• Avoid waking your child during an episode.
• Remove sleep disturbances, such as electronic screens or noise.
• Keep consistent wake-up times.
• Ensure sufficient rest and avoid overtiredness.
• Reduce stress where possible.
For adults:
• Avoid alcohol and drugs that may worsen night terrors.
• Ensure the bedroom is safe.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine (e.g., warm bath or shower).
• Avoid screens before bed.
• Exercise, but not within four hours of sleep.
• Follow a consistent sleep schedule.
• Address fatigue by going to bed earlier if sleep-deprived.
• Optimize bed comfort, lighting, and noise.
Management and Treatment
There is no universal cure for night terrors. Safety is the top priority during an episode, while letting it run its course. Most people won’t remember the episode. Reducing triggers like sleep deprivation, fever, or obstructive sleep apnea can help reduce frequency. Mental health support may also help, as emotional health impacts sleep quality.
Outlook
Night terrors are disruptive and alarming to caregivers and household members. Most children outgrow them before high school. Managing underlying conditions can reduce their frequency. If episodes are frequent and affect sleep quality, consult a healthcare provider.
Guidelines for Helping Someone During a Night Terror
Experts recommend not waking the person, as this can be dangerous and may prolong the episode. Instead:
• Gently guide them back to bed if they are out of bed.
• Speak slowly, quietly, and calmly.
• Stay with the person to ensure safety until they return to sleep.
This approach prioritizes safety while minimizing stress for both the person experiencing the night terror and those around them.
