While suffering from a night terror, the sleeper may breathe heavily,perspire or become pale. He sometimes stares around the room with wide-open eyes, obviously unaware of what he is seeing. He doesn't seem to recognize anyone and fights off any offer of comfort. It's very difficult to awaken someone locked in a sleep terror. Once awake, he usually doesn't remember the dream, only the terror.
Some drugs and medications can trigger a nightmare, as can fever or illness. Sleep terrors in children may occur because of an immature nervous system. Sometimes a child's brain has trouble switching from deep sleep to lighter sleep. This leaves the child wandering around in the twilight zone between the two. Terrifying creatures seem to exist in this zone.
Although both nightmares and night terrors are more common during the childhood years, many adults suffer from frequent bad dreams. In adults, these dreams are often caused by a traumatic event -- the death of a loved one, health problems, surgery or an accident or assault. Night terrors may be stress related. Job loss, marital strife or financial setbacks all breed these terrifying episodes.
Adults sometimes recall part or all of the night terror. During the dream, they may see frightening creatures -- creepy spiders or giant snakes. These creatures may represent adverse conditions in the dreamer's life, or things buried in the dark recesses of the subconscious mind.
Children who have experienced a nightmare need comforting and company until they fall asleep again. Night lights and open bedroom doors are reassuring. A peaceful daytime atmosphere and a quiet bedroom contribute to peaceful sleep. Scary television shows and videos should be avoided.
Children who are prone to night terrors and possible sleep walking need a safe haven in which to sleep. All toys should be safely tucked away. Windows should be either locked or barred and stairways gated. Upper bunks could be a hazard, so children with this problem should sleep in lower bunks.
Whether the dreamer is an adult or a child, it isn't advisable to attempt to awaken him. This could cause even more stress and terror. He may appear to be awake, but is still really locked in the terrifying visions of his dream.
Neither nightmares nor night terrors are considered dangerous. However, if the dreams continue for several weeks, or if they are extremely distressful, the services of a therapist may be needed.
We all need sleep to restore our bodies and minds. However, when it comes to nightmares or night terrors, in the words of Shakespeare's Hamlet:
"To sleep: perchance to dream; ay, there's the rub." ---- William Shakespeare
