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Night Terrors


About this topic


Night terrors happen when you sleep. You may suddenly cry, scream, mumble, or thrash around. It may seem as if you are awake, but you are asleep. The attack may last for a few seconds to a few minutes. You are not aware of the things around you. You will have no memory of what happened the next day. ‚  
Night terrors do not happen during dreams. They often happen at the early part of the night. They may happen a few hours after falling asleep. Some people may also walk in their sleep during night terrors. ‚  
Night terrors are more common in children, but adults can have them too. It may be scary to see a night terror. They do not cause the person any harm. They are not a sign of a mental health problem. ‚  

What are the causes?


Doctors do not know the exact cause of night terrors. They do know these happen most often when a person is moving from one stage of sleep to another stage. ‚  

What can make this more likely to happen?


  • Being very tired or a lack of sleep
  • Having a fever
  • Stress
  • Sudden noise
  • Family history
  • Use of beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
  • Children age 3 to 10 years

What are the main signs?


During a night terror you may: ‚  
  • Wake up suddenly
  • Cry, shout, scream, thrash around
  • Have your eyes wide open, but not see the things around you
  • Breathe faster
  • Have a very fast heartbeat
  • Sweat a lot
  • Feel scared or confused

After the night terror you may: ‚  
  • Settle down and return to calm sleep
  • Not remember what happened the next morning

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will take your history and may do an exam. The doctor may ask about when your night terrors happen and if you have other sleep problems. There are no tests needed to diagnose night terrors. ‚  

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


  • There is no specific care for night terrors. Children with night terrors may only need to be comforted after the attack. Most children outgrow night terrors.
  • If they happen often and are very bad, your doctor may send you to talk therapy or counseling.
  • Your doctor may give you drugs to help control the signs.
  • Your doctor may review your drugs to see if any of them could be causing your sleep problems.

What lifestyle changes are needed?


  • Practice good sleep habits. Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time each day.
  • Try to relax. Listen to music. Take a warm bath. Try doing yoga or meditation to help you cope with stress.
  • Read bedtime books that can make you feel cozy and sleepy.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help you fall asleep
  • Relax your mind and body

Will there be any other care needed?


Tell people in your household about your health problem. Let them know how to help. If you are having a night terror, tell family or friends to: ‚  
  • Stay calm and be sure you are safe.
  • Not wake you up during the attack. Tell them to wait until the attack passes. They may or may not be able to comfort you during an attack.

Where can I learn more?


American Sleep Association ‚  
http://www.sleepassociation.org/index.php?p=sleepterrors ‚  
KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/sleep/terrors.html# ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/night-terrors/pages/introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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