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A sleep doctor explains night terrors in adults, why they happen, how to prevent them, and how they differ from nightmares. Plus, what to do if you have them.
Night terror, also called sleep terror, is a sleep disorder causing feelings of panic or dread and typically occurring during the first hours of stage 3–4 non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep [1] and lasting for 1 to 10 minutes. [2]
Nightmare disorder is defined as recurrent nightmares associated with awakening dysphoria that impairs sleep or daytime functioning. [1] [2] It is rare in children, however persists until adulthood. [11] [35] About 2/3 of the adult population report experiencing nightmares at least once in their life. [11]
Nightmare disorder (ND); also REM-based parasomnia; Sleep terrors (STs) potentially frightening parasomnia but are not REM based and there is a lack of awareness to surroundings, characteristic screams during STs. Noctural panic attacks (NPAs) involves fear and acute distress but lacks paralysis and dream imagery
About 4% of American adults are affected by nightmare disorders. [1] Women seem to be more affected than men, the ratio being 2–4 : 1. [5] This inequality decreases with aging because of a less high prevalence in elderly women. [5] The rate of nightmares increases from ages 10–19 to 20–39, and then decreases during the ages of 50–59. [8]
Make sure to eat dinner early enough so a full stomach doesn't interrupt sweet dreams! Watch the video above to learn more about the science behind which foods can cause nightmares.
Sleep disruptions can be caused by various issues, including teeth grinding and night terrors. Managing sleep disturbances that are secondary to mental, medical, or substance abuse disorders should focus on addressing the underlying conditions. [4] Sleep disorders are common in both children and adults.
The prevalence of nightmares in children (5–12 years old) is between 20 and 30%, and for adults between 8 and 30%. [4] In common language, the meaning of nightmare has extended as a metaphor to many bad things, such as a bad situation or a scary monster or person.