Alternative Names
Pavor nocturnus; Sleep terror disorder
Symptoms:
- Sudden awakening from sleep
- Persistent fear or terror that occurs at night
- Screaming
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Rapid heart rate
- No recall of "bad dreams" or nightmares
- Unable to explain what happened
- May have a sense of frightening images
- No memory of the event when they awaken the next day
- Unable to fully wake up
- Difficult to comfort
Note: Episodes are most common in the first third of the night. They may last 10 - 20 minutes, then normal sleep returns.
Signs and tests:
In many cases, no further examination or testing is needed. If the night terror is severe or prolonged, the child may need a psychological evaluation.