Night terrors (sleep terrors) are episodes of intense fear during sleep, primarily affecting children. Night terrors differ from nightmares and typically don’t cause harm despite dramatic appearance.
What happens
During night terror:
- Sudden screaming, thrashing
- Wide-eyed appearance, sweating
- Tachycardia, rapid breathing
- Inconsolable
- No memory of episode in morning
- Lasts 30 seconds to several minutes
Night terrors vs nightmares
Night terrors:
- Occur during deep sleep (N3)
- First third of night typically
- Child appears terrified but isn’t fully awake
- No dream recall
- Most common in children 3-12
Nightmares:
- Occur during REM sleep
- Last third of night typically
- Child fully wakes
- Remembers dream
- All ages
Causes
- Sleep deprivation
- Stress
- Fever, illness
- Family history
- Bladder fullness
- Sleep environment disruption
- Some medications
What to do during episode
- Don’t try to wake child (often makes worse)
- Ensure safety (clear area, prevent falls)
- Stay calm — episode passes
- Help back to sleep gently
- Don’t discuss in morning (no memory anyway)
Prevention
- Adequate sleep
- Consistent bedtime routine
- Stress management
- Avoid overheating
- Treat underlying conditions
When to see a doctor
- Frequent episodes
- Persisting into adolescence/adulthood
- Episodes occurring during day
- Concerning behaviors during episodes
- Other sleep concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
Are night terrors harmful?
Generally no. Children typically outgrow.
Should I wake my child during night terror?
Generally no. Wait for episode to pass.
Can adults have night terrors?
Yes but less common. May indicate underlying conditions.
Will my child remember?
Typically no.
When do children outgrow night terrors?
Usually by adolescence.
The bottom line on night terrors
Common in children, generally harmless, typically outgrown. Don’t try to wake during episode. Adequate sleep and routine help reduce frequency.