Night terror, also known as sleep terror, is a sleep disorder, causing feelings of terror or dread, and typically occurs during the first hours of stage 3–4 non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.

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Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria

 DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria:

• Recurrent periods where the individual abruptly wakes from sleeping with a scream
• Individual experiences intense fear and symptoms of autonomic arousals, such as increased heart rate, heavy breathing, and increased perspiration
• Individual cannot be soothed or comforted during the episode
• Individual is unable to remember details of the dream or details of the episode
• Occurrence of the sleep terror episode causes clinically significant distress or impairment in the individual’s functioning
• Disturbance is not due to the effects of a substance or general medical condition

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Management

• Psychotherapy or counseling
• Severe cases:
  • Benzodiazepines (such as diazepam) or tricyclic antidepressants