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Michelle Thompson, Ph.D.

Expert in Mental Health and Counseling

Dr. Michelle Thompson, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist specializing in mental health and counseling. She has extensive experience working with individuals of all ages to address various mental health challenges and promote overall well-being.

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David Chang, RD, LDN

Expert in Nutrition and Dietetics

David Chang, RD, LDN, is a registered dietitian with a focus on nutrition and dietetics. He works with clients to develop personalized nutrition plans to support their health goals and improve their overall wellness.

Additional information about our specialists:

• The importance of addressing mental health concerns in relation to sleep disturbances
• The impact of diet and nutrition on sleep quality
• Tips for improving sleep hygiene for better overall well-being

It is essential to recognize the interconnectedness of mental health, nutrition, and sleep when addressing overall wellness. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and guidance to help individuals achieve and maintain optimal health.

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Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, evoke panic or fear upon waking. Symptoms can include sudden movements like sitting up, sweating, increased heart rate, and dilated pupils. These episodes generally last 10 to 40 minutes, with individuals having no recollection afterward.

Considered a type of parasomnia, night terrors occur during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages, often early in the night, especially in children.

Concerned about your sleep? Take a short evaluation to assess your sleep concerns.

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Night terrors are thought to occur when a person wakes up but remains in a state between sleep and wakefulness. This situation is known as an arousal parasomnia. While the exact cause is not fully understood, certain factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing night terrors.

• Age: Night terrors are more prevalent in children and tend to decrease as they get older.
• Genetics: Family history might influence the occurrence of parasomnias.
• Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea and movement disorders can be linked to night terrors.
• Anxiety: Night terrors may be connected to anxiety disorders.
• Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can trigger night terrors.
• Fever: Increased deep sleep during fever could trigger night terrors.

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Night terrors differ from nightmares as they do not involve recalled dreams. Night terrors occur during NREM sleep stages, while nightmares typically happen during REM sleep. These distinctions impact their timing during the night.

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While common in young children, most outgrow night terrors by their teenage years. Parents witnessing night terrors may find it distressing, though children usually do not remember the episodes. In some cases, night terrors can lead to sleepwalking.

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It is important for parents to remain calm if their child experiences night terrors. Trying to wake them up may worsen the episode. Instead, gently guide them back to bed and ensure their safety during the episode. Creating a consistent bedtime routine and ensuring the child gets enough rest can help reduce the occurrence of night terrors.

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About 3% of adults experience night terrors, which can be more severe and potentially result in injury compared to children. Night terrors in adults could indicate underlying mental health issues such as PTSD or anxiety disorders.

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Treatment for night terrors is typically reserved for severe cases, with most cases managed using home-based strategies like ensuring adequate sleep, avoiding triggers such as alcohol and caffeine, and addressing underlying sleep disorders.

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Sign up for valuable tips on improving your sleep and get our comprehensive Better Sleep Guidebook.

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Experts recommend not waking a child experiencing a night terror to prevent further distress. Instead, guide them back to bed gently while speaking calmly. Making adjustments to the child’s bedroom layout can enhance safety during night terrors. If you suspect night terrors, consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and guidance on management.

Join our Sleep Care Community for expert insights on sleep concerns. Patients with nocturnal events may receive a diagnosis of “atypical night terrors.” One case study demonstrated characteristics resembling frontal lobe epilepsy, highlighting various potential causes.

Differentiating between nocturnal seizures and NREM parasomnias can be challenging, especially with conditions like nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. Detailed features supporting an epileptic origin of paroxysmal events comprise stereotyped nature, timing, semiology, duration, and age of onset. In difficult cases, extended monitoring can aid in identifying subtle findings, while functional imaging may provide additional insights.

Despite the complexity of distinguishing between seizures and nonepileptic events, advancements in diagnosis and treatment offer hope for those affected by night terrors and related conditions.