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What is sleep terror disorder?
Sleep terror disorder is a type of parasomnia in which a person wakes up from non-REM sleep in a state of extreme anxiety.
During these episodes, individuals may sit up screaming or shrieking, displaying symptoms associated with terror (increased heart rate, shortness of breath, sweating), but they are not fully awake. A characteristic feature is that they do not remember their actions.
It most frequently occurs during the first third of sleep. It is most common between the ages of 3 and 8, and more prevalent in boys than girls. Approximately one-third of children who experience sleep terror disorder are also said to have sleepwalking, another non-REM sleep-related parasomnia.
Symptoms of Sleep Terror Disorder
Individuals suddenly wake up during non-REM sleep with screams or shrieks.
They exhibit sympathetic nervous system symptoms associated with intense fear, such as an increased heart rate, complaints of shortness of breath, sweating, and dilated pupils.
During this time, they are not fully awake, so even if a parent is present, they may not notice them. They may thrash violently, or even get up and run around.
Furthermore, attempts to calm them down or wake them up may be unsuccessful and can prolong or worsen their state of confusion, thereby exacerbating the situation. Symptoms typically last for a few minutes, and once they subside, the individual quickly falls back asleep.
Upon waking in the morning, it is difficult to recall their actions. Even if some recall is possible, it is fragmented, and they cannot remember a coherent dream.
Causes, Treatments, and Therapies
Similar to sleepwalking, symptoms often subside as individuals reach adulthood, leading to the belief that the cause is incomplete development or maturation of the brain's neural systems related to sleep and wakefulness.
It is also said that there is a genetic predisposition. In addition, immaturity of ego development, daytime stress, and fever are also believed to be related. Adult sleep terror disorder is sometimes associated with alcoholism and mental disorders.
There are few specific measures for sleep terror disorder, but in children, parents reassuring the child is said to be effective. If it occurs frequently and negatively impacts the sleep of the individual or family, drug treatment (administration of benzodiazepines at bedtime) may be considered.
