Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors or pavor nocturnus, are a disruptive sleep disorder characterized by episodes of intense fear and dread during sleep. Considered a type of parasomnia, night terrors fall under the category of undesired occurrences that happen before, during, or after sleep, resulting in abnormal movements, emotions, perceptions, or dreams. While many individuals naturally outgrow night terrors, some may require treatment to alleviate or prevent them.
Recognizing Symptoms of Night Terrors
Night terrors can manifest in various ways, affecting individuals differently. Resembling a panic attack, night terrors leave the person experiencing them inconsolable, leaving observers with no choice but to wait for the episode to pass. During these episodes, individuals may suddenly sit upright with their eyes wide open, displaying signs of intense fear. Sweating, rapid breathing, and an elevated heart rate are commonly reported symptoms as well. Some may even resort to thrashing around in an attempt to protect themselves from an unknown perceived threat. Although the person may appear awake during the episode, they often exhibit confusion and unresponsiveness. In some cases, even familiar faces may not be recognized by those affected.
Sleep Cycle and Night Terrors
Night terrors often happen during the initial hours of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. This stage of sleep allows for movement and organized thinking. NREM sleep comprises various stages, with parasomnia typically occurring in the third stage known as slow-wave or delta sleep. During this deep sleep phase, thoughts become less structured, and night terrors tend to arise during moments of awakening from slow-wave sleep.