Causes of Night Terrors (Sleep Terror)

Night terrors are a sleep disorder categorized as parasomnia, affecting non-REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. There are no definitive causes of a night terror although some contributing factors may be responsible for night terrors.

• Teething in children (infants, babies, toddlers)
• Fevers
• Pain or discomfort
• Abuse, trauma or stress (physical, emotional, verbal or sexual)

continue reading Causes & Treatment of Night Terrors (Pavor Nocturnus)

Night terrors or sleep terrors occur more frequently in children (babies, infants and toddlers) although it can affect any age group. Night terrors more often affect children under the age of 5 years of age often peaking at the 3 year age bracket. A young child experiencing a night terror may ‘awaken’ screaming, crying and hysterical and may need to be consoled before falling asleep. Unlike nightmares, children experiencing a night terror do not remember the experience and may go back to sleep immediately after experiencing a night terror.

continue reading Night Terrors in Young Children – Baby, Infant, Toddlers