What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Night Terror Disorder
• Night-Terrors
• Pavor Nocturnus

What is Sleep Terror Disorder? (Definition/Background Information)

• Sleep Terror Disorder is a sleep disorder characterized by episodes of screaming, shouting, intense terror, kicking, and thrashing, while the individual is still asleep. It is a common condition observed in young children
• Usually, the child (or even adult) does not remember the event, nor has any memory of the episode ever happening. Sleep Terror Disorder typically occurs during the first few hours of sleep
• The individual usually gets a single episode, about 15 minutes, per week; or sometimes, a single episode each month, depending on the severity of the disorder. During the episode, the individual may be unable to wake up or be woken up
• Some risk factors for Sleep Terror Disorder include stress, difficulties falling asleep, and trauma to the head. In adults, the risk of having the disorder increases with substance and alcohol abuse. However, the exact cause of the condition is not known
• Generally, Sleep Terror Disorder is recognized by the affected individual or by their family members or caregivers and brought to the attention of a healthcare provider, if needed. The diagnosis may involve sleep studies that may require overnight stay at a healthcare facility
• Episodes of Sleep Terror Disorder usually go away as children get older. Treatment at home involves providing supportive care to reduce stress and anxiety. For adults, reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding the usage of drugs, reducing stress and anxiety issues with relaxation techniques may help overcome the disorder
• If Sleep Terror Disorder worsens and tends to cause injury to the individual, then seeking professional help or talking to a healthcare professional is a good way to address the issue

Who gets Sleep Terror Disorder? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Sleep Terror Disorder is most common in children between 3-7 years of age
• It is more common in young boys than girls
• The disorder is also observed in adults, to a lesser extent
• All racial and ethnic groups may be affected and no particular preference is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Sleep Terror Disorder? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors associated with Sleep Terror Disorder include:

• Stress
• Abnormal breathing patterns
• Problems falling asleep due to migraines or head injuries
• History of alcohol abuse or drug usage, depression, stress or anxiety disorder in adults
• The disorder tends to run in families

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Sleep Terror Disorder? (Etiology)

Currently, the cause of Sleep Terror Disorder is not known. However, the following factors may play a role in the development of the disorder:

• A family history of the condition
• Fever or lack of sleep (which could act as triggers of the condition)
• Abuse of legal and illegal drugs, or addiction to certain medications and alcohol
• Sleeping in a different environment: Light and noise can trigger or worsen an existing condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Terror Disorder?

Some signs and symptoms of Sleep Terror Disorder include:

• Screaming, kicking, crying, and other violent movements during sleep
• Heavy breathing, rapid heart rate, and sweating (signs of hyperventilation)
• Seeing animals or objects in sleep that the child is scared of
• Extreme confusion on waking up
• Possible sleepwalking
• Repeated nightmares
• Extreme facial emotions such as fear or pain
• Inability to wake up during the episode  

How is Sleep Terror Disorder Diagnosed?

• Sleep Terror Disorder is usually a self-diagnosed condition, or it may be recognised by the parents or caretakers, who notice certain characteristic signs and symptoms in the child
• Polysomnogram: Overnight sleep study in a sleep lab (with sensors recording and measuring information such as heartbeat, brainwaves, breathing, eye movements, legs and body movements, blood and oxygen level) may be used to diagnose the condition accurately

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Sleep Terror Disorder?

Some complications associated with Sleep Terror Disorder include:

• Sleepwalking
• Falling from bed, falling downstairs, or tripping over objects during an episode
• Harming oneself and those around
• Putting the child in a more frightening or uncomfortable state; possibly, making them more stressed and scared because they cannot explain what happened
• Extreme lethargy, exhaustion, and sleepiness during the day
• Shorter attention span, forgetfulness, and inability to focus at school or work
• Driving, as a result of sleep deprivation and associated problems, may result in serious consequences

How is Sleep Terror Disorder Treated?

Not all individuals may require treatment for Sleep Terror Disorder. In many children, the condition usually resolve as they grow older. When needed, the treatment options may include:

• Comforting the affected child and speaking calmly after the episode; the family members should patiently interact with the child
• Caretakers and family members should recognise the condition and avoid shouting at the child or asking too many questions after an episode (in order to reduce confusion and perplexity)
• Adults should try to decrease their work load, anxiety, and stress level with respect to their daily activities
• Talking to a healthcare provider or a psychologist for evaluation and counselling
• Rarely, prescription medicine may be given, which may have to be taken before bedtime
• For severe cases, various treatments such as hypnosis or relaxation therapy, may be attempted

How can Sleep Terror Disorder be Prevented?

The preventive measures for Sleep Terror Disorder may include:

• Engaging the child in calming activities, such as reading a book before bedtime, instead of letting them watch a (scary) movie
• Going to bed around the same time each night in a serene and quiet environment
• Stopping abuse of prescription medications, alcohol, or illegal drugs

What is the Prognosis of Sleep Terror Disorder? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Episodes of Sleep Terror disorder usually go away as children get older; in such cases, the prognosis is excellent
• In case of serious episodes that result in injuries to the affected individual, seeking help or talking to a health professional is a suitable choice to address the issue

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Sleep Terror Disorder:

Sleep Terror Disorder should not be a concern for most children because they will eventually go away as the child enters adolescence. Contacting a healthcare professional, who may refer a sleep specialist or psychiatrist, is recommended if the safety of a child or loved ones is a concern. 

Prior to meeting the healthcare provider, one should prepare for the appointment by writing down signs, symptoms, medications, and questions that one may have.