Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, is a type of parasomnia. This involves unexpected events which occur during sleep.
In a typical episode, one may sit up in bed and yell or cry out, including kicking and thrashing. It is likely that what is said will not make sense to those around them. The face of fear can be easily seen with widened eyes, a rapid heartbeat, perspiration, heavy breathing and hardly concealed tension. In adults there is often an impulse to run around the house. These events are sometimes hard to differentiate from REM sleep behavior disorder, particularly due to its violent nature.
When experiencing sleep terrors, one may not respond to voices and be difficult to wake up. Upon awakening, confusion can ensue as the individual may be unaware of their location or activities going on. Typically, little to no memory of the episode exists afterward; however, it is possible for brief pieces of a threatening dream to surface. Although the episode has passed, it may take a while before feeling safe again.
Episodes more commonly happen in the initial part of sleeping, which is N3 or slow-wave sleep. However, it is possible for these to be experienced at any point during a person's slumber. Moreover, adults often remember the dream associated with such an event.
Serious and sometimes even fatal injuries can occur due to sleep terrors, such as attempting to flee the home or drive a car. Struggles to depart from bed or hostility could lead to injury for yourself and others. You may be humiliated by these episodes, which could have an immense repercussion on your connectedness with unique individuals.