Night terrors are a little understood kind of nightmare common in childhood. Also called sleep terrors, these experiences occur during the deep stages of sleep, usually within the first few hours of going to bed. Some children wake up and sleep walk, still in the throes of the terrifying night terror. Usually the child wakes up with a scream and is confused, breathing heavily and sweating. Often, the actual night terror is not remembered later, unlike the more common nightmare. Most outgrow this sleep disturbance, or parasoma, by age 8, but some adults continue to have night terrors, often due to lifestyle choices that affect the quality of sleep.
Anxiety and Stress
For most children, night terrors are a symptom of psychological stress. Hearing parents fight, school anxieties or watching a violent television program before bed can induce this sleep disturbance. For adults who are susceptible, emotional tension in the form of moving or changing jobs can precipitate night terrors. Taking steps to reduce stress and anxiety can make for sounder sleeping
Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a major health issue and can contribute to night terrors. Besides increased groggy mornings and reduced concentration at school and at work, it can induce night terrors in both children and adults.
Travel
Adults may experience night terrors more on the road than at home. A combination of sleep deprivation, jet lag, the emotional stress of flying and unfamiliar sleeping quarters can provide the fuel for waking up with a night terror.
Sickness
Sickness, and fevers in particular, may trigger night terrors in children. Sometimes children thrash about during night terrors, and during times of illness, it is recommended to restrain the child and provide comfort, because some children do hurt themselves and others while in the grip of parasoma.
Other Conditions
Night terrors can be induced by other conditions that disturb sleep, including asthma, sleep apnea and migraine. For women, it may also come as part of a premenstrual period. The susceptibility may also run in families.
Drugs and Alcohol
Several kinds of prescription drugs may induce night terrors, including antidepressants, antihistamines and beta-blockers. Ironically, some of these medications are taken as sleep aids, but they have the opposite effect. According to the National Institutes of Health, the use of alcohol may also play a role in triggering night terrors.
