Sleep terror disorder

Sleep terror disorder, also known as night terrors, is a sleep disorder characterized by episodes of intense fear and panic that occur during sleep. These episodes are often accompanied by physical behaviors such as screaming, thrashing, and running.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The primary symptom of sleep terror disorder is the occurrence of recurrent episodes of intense fear during sleep. These episodes typically occur during the first third of the sleep period and last for a few minutes. Other symptoms may include:

Screaming or shouting
Sweating
Rapid heart rate
Confusion upon waking
No memory of the episode in the morning
Difficulty waking up during the episode

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of sleep terror disorder is unknown, but it is believed to be related to stress and anxiety. Other potential causes include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of sleep terror disorder is typically based on a detailed medical history and a description of the symptoms. In some cases, a sleep study may be conducted to rule out other sleep disorders.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for sleep terror disorder is usually not necessary, as most children outgrow the condition by their teenage years. However, if the episodes are causing significant distress or danger, treatment options may include:

See also[edit | edit source]

Sleep terror disorder Resources
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