Night terrors may be the scariest part of growing up. Few children can articulate their experience immediately afterward, and they rarely remember this sleep disturbance the next morning. Night terrors are powerfully emotional, and many people wake up screaming and shouting incoherently. Sometimes people get out of bed and are impossible to console because they are actually sleepwalking and not fully awake. Night terrors are normal for kids under the age of seven and most simply outgrow them, just as they outgrow bed-wetting. Night terrors, also called sleep terrors, can also happen in adults due to stress and other environmental conditions.
Psychological Stress
Unlike the common nightmare, night terrors occur during the deepest stages of sleep, usually in the first half of the night. When children and adults are under stress, this stage of sleep is prone to disturbance. Family stress like divorce, abuse or sibling bullying can also precipitate night terrors. For adults, dealing with relationship and job stress may bring on a bout. The National Sleep Foundation recommends contacting a medical doctor if night terrors are persistent and begin affecting daily life.
Fever
Illness and especially fevers can also increase the likelihood of night terrors. Night sweats, hyperventilating and a elevated heart beat come with the package, even for the infirmed, according to the "Encyclopedia of Medical Disorders." Console your child and physically restrain her if need be to prevent her from hurting herself when awakened but still under the grip of a terror. After a few minutes, she will relax and go back to sleep, probably with no recollection of the event.
Sleep Deprivation
Adults most often experience night terrors when sleep deprived, warns the "Penn Medicine Health Encyclopedia." Also, sleeping in unfamiliar places and suffering from jet lag may suddenly bring on an episode. These factors suggest that the business traveler is especially at risk. Reducing alcohol intake while jet-lagged and getting adjusted to the new time zone as quickly as possible may also reduce the likelihood of night terrors and other sleep disturbances.
Underlying Conditions
Sometimes, sleep disorders are a symptom of another health condition. The Mayoclinic suggest that night terrors may be triggered by those who have thyroid conditions, migraines, seizure disorders and recent head injuries. Premenstrual period may also bring on the night terror, although the reason behind this is unknown.
Substance Abuse
Night terrors are prevalent in adults with substance abuse issues, especially alcohol, according to the National Institutes of Health. Counseling or psychotherapy can alleviate night terrors by addressing the core causes that lead to substance abuse.
