- Night terrors are episodes of intense fear, screaming, or thrashing during deep sleep, most common in young children.
- They differ from nightmares: the person is usually not fully awake and typically does not remember the episode.
- Common contributors include sleep deprivation, illness or fever, stress, and irregular sleep schedules.
- During an episode, the general guidance is to stay calm, keep the person safe, and avoid forcefully waking them.
- Most children outgrow night terrors; see a clinician if episodes are frequent, dangerous, or persist into later childhood or adulthood.
Night terrors (also called sleep terrors) can be alarming to witness — a child may suddenly sit up screaming, appear terrified, and seem unreachable, yet have no memory of it in the morning. They are a recognized type of sleep disturbance, most common in young children, and are usually not a sign of a serious problem. This overview explains what night terrors are, how they differ from nightmares, what may contribute to them, and what to do — as general education, not a substitute for advice from your clinician.
For many parents, the hardest part is the sense of helplessness during an episode. Understanding what is happening can make it easier to respond calmly and to know when the pattern is normal versus when it is worth raising with a professional.
What night terrors are
Night terrors are a type of parasomnia — an unwanted event during sleep. They typically occur during deep (non-REM) sleep, often in the first few hours of the night. During an episode, the person may scream, cry, thrash, sweat, breathe rapidly, or appear panicked and confused, all while not fully awake. Episodes usually last from a few seconds to several minutes and often end with the person settling back into sleep.
Night terrors vs. nightmares
| Feature | Night terrors | Nightmares |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep stage | Deep non-REM sleep, often early in the night | REM sleep, often later in the night |
| Awareness | Usually not fully awake; hard to console | Typically wakes fully and is aware |
| Memory of it | Usually none the next day | Often remembers the dream |
| Most common in | Young children | All ages |
What can contribute to night terrors
The exact cause is not always clear, but according to sources such as the Mayo Clinic and the Sleep Foundation, common contributors include:
- Sleep deprivation or being overtired
- Illness or fever
- Stress or major changes in routine
- Irregular sleep schedules or disrupted sleep
- A family history of night terrors or sleepwalking
- Sometimes, another sleep disorder or certain medications
Night terrors tend to run in families and often occur alongside sleepwalking, which shares similar features.
What to do during an episode
General guidance from sleep organizations is reassuring and practical:
- Stay calm — episodes usually pass on their own within minutes.
- Keep the person safe — gently guide them away from hazards and prevent falls.
- Avoid forcefully waking them, which can increase confusion or agitation.
- Do not restrain unless necessary for safety.
- Afterward, help them settle back to sleep; they likely will not remember it.
Because sleep deprivation is a common trigger, supporting consistent, adequate sleep is often part of general management. Some families and clinicians discuss strategies such as maintaining regular routines and addressing any underlying disruptions. Any specific approach should be worked out with a healthcare professional.
Supporting healthy sleep
Because being overtired is one of the most common triggers, gentle, consistent sleep habits are often the first thing families focus on. General, low-risk steps that many clinicians and sleep organizations describe include keeping regular bedtimes and wake times, building a calm wind-down routine, and making sure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and comfortable. For children, ensuring they get enough total sleep for their age can matter, since deficits tend to accumulate over busy weeks. Managing stress and easing big transitions — a new school, travel, or a disrupted schedule — may also help reduce episodes for some children.
These are supportive habits rather than treatments, and they will not eliminate every episode. If a specific pattern emerges — for instance, episodes happening at a predictable time each night — a clinician can discuss whether any tailored strategy is appropriate. Avoid trying interventions you read about online without professional input, especially anything involving deliberately interrupting sleep.
When to see a doctor
Most children outgrow night terrors, and occasional episodes are usually not a cause for concern. Consider talking to a clinician if episodes are frequent, involve dangerous behavior (such as leaving the bed or the home), cause significant daytime sleepiness, begin or persist into adolescence or adulthood, or are distressing to the person or family. A clinician can look for underlying contributors and rule out other conditions. For context on other sleep conditions, see our guide to other sleep disorders, and browse general well-being information in our wellness guide hub.
Frequently asked questions
Are night terrors dangerous?
They are usually not harmful in themselves, but injury can occur if the person moves around. Keeping the environment safe is the main precaution.
Should I wake my child during a night terror?
General guidance is to avoid forcefully waking them, since it can increase confusion. Focus on keeping them safe until it passes.
Will my child remember it?
Usually not. Unlike nightmares, night terrors typically leave no memory the next day.
Do adults get night terrors?
They are less common in adults but can occur. Adult-onset or persistent episodes are worth discussing with a clinician.
What triggers them?
Common triggers include being overtired, illness or fever, stress, and irregular sleep. Supporting adequate, consistent sleep may help.
When should I seek help?
If episodes are frequent, dangerous, cause daytime problems, or persist into the teen or adult years, talk to a healthcare professional.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Supplements and therapies affect people differently and can interact with medications or conditions. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or a licensed clinician before making changes to your health routine.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic — patient education on sleep terrors
- Sleep Foundation — night terrors and parasomnias
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) — parasomnia information
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — night terrors information
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) — sleep and parasomnia resources