Night Terrors (Sleep Terrors)
Reviewed by our editorial team
Last updated: 2026-04-01
Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are episodes of intense screaming, crying, and thrashing while still asleep. They are a type of NREM parasomnia, meaning they occur during the deepest stages of sleep. Unlike a nightmare, where the person wakes up and remembers a scary dream, a person experiencing a night terror remains asleep and usually has no memory of the event the next day.
During an episode, the person may sit up in bed with their eyes wide open, looking terrified. They may have a racing heart, heavy breathing, and sweating. These episodes can be extremely frightening for parents or partners to witness, but they are generally not harmful to the sleeper and typically last only a few minutes.
Night Terrors vs. Nightmares
The key difference lies in the timing and memory. Nightmares occur during REM sleep, usually in the second half of the night, and the person can often recount the dream in detail. Night terrors occur during deep NREM sleep, usually in the first few hours of the night, and there is no dream content to remember.
Furthermore, a person waking from a nightmare is usually easy to comfort and becomes alert quickly. A person in the midst of a night terror is often inconsolable, does not recognize people around them, and may even push away those trying to help. They eventually settle back into sleep without ever truly 'waking up.'
Who Gets Night Terrors?
Night terrors are most common in children, typically between the ages of 3 and 12. As the brain matures, most children outgrow them by adolescence. However, they can occasionally occur in adults, where they are often more likely to be associated with high stress, trauma, or sleep apnea.
There is a strong hereditary link. If a parent had night terrors or sleepwalked as a child, their offspring are significantly more likely to experience them. The prevalence in children is estimated at 1% to 6%, while it is much lower in adults.
Common Triggers and Causes
The most frequent trigger for night terrors is sleep deprivation. When a person is overly tired, their body tries to 'catch up' on deep sleep, leading to more intense transitions between sleep stages where these errors in arousal can occur. Fever and illness are also common triggers in children.
Stress, changes in sleep schedule, and sleeping in a new or noisy environment can also contribute. In adults, the use of alcohol or certain medications that affect the central nervous system can increase the likelihood of an episode.
How to Respond During an Episode
The best course of action during a night terror is to stay calm and wait it out. Ensure the person is safe and won't fall out of bed or hit anything, but do not try to wake them. Trying to shake or scream at them to wake up can often make the episode last longer or cause the person to become more agitated.
If the episodes occur at the same time every night, the 'scheduled awakening' technique can be very effective. Gently wake the person about 15 minutes before the expected episode and keep them awake for a few minutes. This disrupts the sleep cycle enough to prevent the transition error that leads to the terror.
When to Speak With a Doctor
Talk to a pediatrician or doctor if the night terrors lead to injury, occur every night, or if they are accompanied by gasping sounds (a sign of sleep apnea).
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Sleep Problems and Children.
- [2]Mayo Clinic. Sleep Terrors (Night Terrors).
- [3]Cleveland Clinic. Night Terrors in Adults and Children.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.