Night Terrors

Night terrors, also known as night episodes, are episodes of intense fear, screaming or movement during sleep, typically occurring in the first few hours after falling asleep and often resulting in the affected person being fully awake. Night terrors are more common among children and usually resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks. While the exact cause of night terrors is unknown, they may be caused by an underlying sleep disorder, trauma, stress, or other psychological issues. Night terrors can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected, including decreased alertness and concentration during the day, as well as sleep disturbances. Management strategies for night terrors include establishing good sleeping habits and making the home environment safe and comfortable.