Night Terrors and Nightmares

Also known as: Sleep Terrors, Bad Dreams, Nighttime Fear Episodes, Nightmare Disorder, Scary Sleep Episodes, Night Frights

Last Updated: October 31, 2026

Key Points

Night terrors and nightmares are different sleep events
Night terrors are rarely remembered upon waking
Nightmares are bad dreams you wake up from and can recall
Most children outgrow night terrors and nightmares

Overview

Night terrors and nightmares are common sleep disturbances, particularly in children, though adults can also experience them. They differ in when they occur during sleep and whether the event is remembered. Night terrors happen in the early part of the night, where a person may appear awake but is not, and has no memory of the event. Nightmares, however, are frightening dreams that occur later in the night, from which a person awakens and can often remember. These sleep events can be triggered by various factors, including being tired, stressed, or unwell, and sometimes by certain medications or underlying health conditions. While most cases improve on their own, understanding the triggers and implementing supportive strategies can help manage them. Management often involves establishing good sleep hygiene, addressing stress or anxiety, and in some cases, psychological therapies. It's important to distinguish between night terrors and nightmares, as the approach to helping someone experiencing them can differ.

Signs and Symptoms

Night terrors: screaming, shouting, thrashing about
Night terrors: jumping out of bed, eyes open but not awake
Night terrors: no memory of the event
Night terrors: occur early in the night, lasting up to 15 minutes
Nightmares: strong feelings of fear
Nightmares: waking up from the dream
Nightmares: ability to remember the dream
Nightmares: occur later in the night

Things That Increase the Risk

Being very tired or unwell
Sudden noises at night or needing to urinate
Stress, anxiety, or frightening experiences
Taking certain medicines, like antidepressants
Sleep conditions such as restless legs syndrome or sleep apnoea
Mental health conditions like generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
Brain conditions such as Parkinson's disease
Severe injury (disturbed sleep for weeks afterwards)
Family history of night terrors or sleepwalking

Diagnosis

Clinical assessment by a doctor
Review of symptoms and sleep patterns
Discussion of potential triggers and medical history
Considering age and frequency of events
Ruling out other sleep disorders like sleep paralysis

Treatment & Management

Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine
Keeping a sleep diary to identify causes
Addressing underlying stress or anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for frequent nightmares
Counselling for trauma-related nightmares
Managing underlying sleep conditions
Waking a person 15 minutes before expected night terror (for caregivers)

Prevention

Maintain a consistent and relaxing bedtime routine
Ensure adequate rest and avoid overtiredness
Identify and manage sources of stress or anxiety
Avoid frightening content before bed
Address any underlying medical or sleep conditions

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Night Terrors and Nightmares: