What Causes Night Terrors

Night terrors are sleep disorders in which one may suddenly wake up in fright, panic or unexplained anxiety. It occurs in the third or fourth stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep. But what causes night terrors? Lack of sleep and stressful events in life are the primary causes of night terrors. An excessive intake of caffeine, addiction to alcohol or drugs as also certain medications can cause night terrors in people.

Night terrors are generally found in kids, within the age group of 3 and 12. Statistics say that about 1-6% of children around the world experience night terrors. To know more about kids’ health, you may find it interesting to go to child health and physical fitness. This sleep disorder is generally resolved by the time the child reaches adolescence. Unless the child is at risk, do not try to deliberately awake him/her. In case of serious sleep disorders, it is advisable to consult a physician. You may opt for hypnosis, in severe cases of night terrors. The best means to help your child stay away from night terrors is to provide him/her with a healthy and stress-free living. To know how to help your child get rid of stress, visit stress relief.

Night terrors occur particularly during the transition from stage 3 of the non-REM sleep to its fourth stage. Night terrors are characterized by an abrupt awakening accompanied by anxiety, agitation and confusion. They should not be confused with bad dreams or nightmares. Bad dreams occur during the rapid eye movement sleep, while night terrors occur in the non-rapid eye movement sleep. According to researchers, the reason why some people have night terrors is still a mystery.

Find information about the stages of sleep.