Nightmares And Sleep Terrors - Sleepwalking And Other Parasomnias: Sleep Disorders

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Nightmares and sleep terrors

Nightmares and sleep terrors are nocturnal attacks of fear or panic that interrupt sleep in some people. Nightmares, which usually occur early in the morning, are bad dreams that become so threatening that a person wakes in a state of fear and agitation. Nightmares occur mainly during REM sleep when the body barely moves.

Unlike a nightmare, a sleep terror can be quite dramatic to witness. The sleeper may let out a bloodcurdling scream, sit bolt upright, and attempt to fight or flee. During an episode, which may last as long as 15 minutes, a person may seem confused and agitated. After the spell is over, he or she is likely to go right back to sleep and later may not remember what happened.

Sleep terrors occur during non-REM sleep, usually in the first hour or so after going to bed. They appear to run in families and occur most often in children. Adults with sleep terrors tend to be more agitated, anxious, and aggressive than children who have this problem. When the episodes involve violent or injurious behavior, medical treatment may be recommended. Some doctors prescribe medications such as benzodiazepines that suppress deep sleep. Hypnosis or a relaxation technique known as guided imagery may also be helpful.

Sleep-related panic attacks. People with this condition awaken suddenly because of episodes of intense panic characterized by a racing heartbeat, sweating, trembling, breathlessness, or the feeling that they may be dying. Anti-anxiety drugs are often useful for both daytime and nighttime attacks.

Last updated:	January 23, 2007