Night terrors (sleep terrors) are a sleep disorder in which a person quickly wakes from sleep in a terrified state.

Pavor nocturnus; Sleep terror disorder

Night terrors are most common during the first third of the night, often between midnight and 2 a.m.

• Children often scream and are very frightened and confused. They thrash around violently and are often not aware of their surroundings.
• The child may not be able to respond to being talked to, comforted, or awakened.
• The child may be sweating, breathing very fast (hyperventilating), have a fast heart rate, and widened (dilated) pupils.
• The spell may last 10 to 20 minutes, then the child goes back to sleep.

Most children are unable to explain what happened the next morning. They often have no memory of the event when they wake up the next day.

Children with night terrors may also sleep walk.

In contrast, nightmares are more common in the early morning. They may occur after someone watches frightening movies or TV shows, or has an emotional experience. A person may remember the details of a dream after waking up and will not be disoriented after the episode.

In many cases, no further examination or testing is needed. If the night terror is severe or prolonged, the child may need a psychological evaluation.

In many cases, a child who has a night terror only needs to be comforted.

Reducing stress or using coping mechanisms may reduce night terrors. Talk therapy or counseling may be needed in some cases.

Medicines prescribed for use at bedtime will often reduce night terrors, but are rarely used to treat this disorder.

Most children outgrow night terrors. Episodes usually decreases after age 10.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• Night terrors occur often
• They disrupt sleep on a regular basis
• Other symptoms occur with the night terror
• The night terror causes, or almost causes, injuries

Minimizing stress or using coping mechanisms may reduce night terrors.

Owens JA. Sleep medicine: In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW III, et al., eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 17.