Night Terrors (Pavor Nocturnus)
Updated June 2026
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Last updated: June 2026 - Reviewed by the Apexzen editorial team
Part of: Sleep Disorders Atlas > Parasomnias
What is it? Night terrors are episodes of intense fear, screaming, and flailing while the person is still deeply asleep. Unlike nightmares, which occur during REM (dream) sleep, night terrors happen during non-REM deep sleep, usually in the first few hours of the night. The person is not truly awake and will not remember the event. They are most common in children.
Night terrors vs nightmares
- Sleep stage: night terrors occur in deep non-REM sleep; nightmares occur in REM (dream) sleep.
- Timing: night terrors usually strike in the first hours of the night; nightmares tend to come later, toward morning.
- Awareness: during a night terror the person is not truly awake and is hard to console; after a nightmare they typically wake fully and are aware.
- Memory: night terrors are not remembered the next day; nightmares are often recalled in detail.
The symptoms to recognize
- A sudden scream or cry
- Sitting bolt upright in bed with a look of intense fear or panic
- Staring wide-eyed, sweating, breathing heavily, with a racing pulse
- Kicking, thrashing, or aggressive movement
- Being unresponsive or difficult to console
- The episode ending abruptly, with the person falling back into deep sleep and no memory of it the next day
What actually helps
The priority is not to intervene forcefully. Do not try to wake the person, as this can increase confusion and agitation. Stay with them to make sure they do not hurt themselves and let the episode pass. The most effective long-term steps involve sleep hygiene: a consistent sleep schedule, a comfortable bedroom, and managing daytime stress.
For children, making sure they are not overly tired before bed can significantly reduce the frequency. No supplement is a treatment for night terrors - the levers are safety during episodes and protecting sleep so episodes become less frequent.
When to see a specialist
Consult a specialist if the terrors are frequent (for example, more than once or twice a week), lead to safety concerns, or cause excessive daytime sleepiness for the individual or major disruption for the family. In adults especially, recurrent night terrors are worth discussing with a doctor to rule out other factors.
Talk to a specialist
Recurrent night terrors deserve a proper assessment
If episodes are frequent or unsafe, ask your doctor for a referral to a sleep specialist. They can confirm what is happening, rule out other triggers, and advise on management.
Not sure where your sleep goes wrong?
Our 2-minute Chronotype Quiz maps your sleep profile and points you to the routine that fits it. It is a starting point for self-awareness, not a substitute for a medical diagnosis.
Take the Chronotype QuizFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between a night terror and a nightmare?
A nightmare is a bad dream during REM sleep that you usually wake from and remember. A night terror happens during deep non-REM sleep, the person is not truly awake, is hard to console, and has no memory of it afterward.
Should I wake someone having a night terror?
No. Forcing them awake can increase confusion and agitation. Stay nearby, keep them safe, and let the episode end on its own.
Do adults get night terrors?
Yes. They are most common in children but can occur in adults. Frequent night terrors in adults are worth raising with a doctor to rule out other contributing factors.
Related reading: Sleepwalking, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, and Chronic Insomnia.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, patient guidance on night terrors and the distinction from nightmares; American Academy of Sleep Medicine, International Classification of Sleep Disorders.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Apexzen products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for frequent or distressing night terrors.