sleep terror

mental disorder

Also known as: pavor nocturnus

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

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A night terror, also known as a sleep terror, is a sudden awakening during slow-wave sleep, often accompanied by a shrill cry. Individuals experiencing a night terror appear dazed and terrified but typically do not remember the episode upon waking. These episodes are more common in children and usually occur during non-REM sleep, distinguishing them from nightmares which happen during REM sleep and are remembered. Nightmares are disturbing dreams that cause emotional distress, leading to awakening, while night terrors involve partial awakening with vocalizations and autonomic symptoms like sweating and rapid heart rate. Night terrors are generally forgotten and are considered a type of parasomnia, a sleep disorder.123

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mental disorder
Other childhood disorders
inappropriate places), sleepwalking, and night terror. These symptoms are not necessarily evidence of emotional disturbance or of some other mental illness. Behavioral methods of treatment are usually effective.
Read More
inappropriate places), sleepwalking, and night terror. These symptoms are not necessarily evidence of emotional disturbance or of some other mental illness. Behavioral methods of treatment are usually effective.
Read More