Nighttime Frights: Examining Widespread Nightmares in Grown-ups
Night terrors, a sleep disorder that can cause distress and disruption during sleep, are experienced by an estimated 1 to 2 percent of adults. However, the actual number may be higher as many people may not remember these episodes.
These sleep disturbances are categorised as parasomnias, which are disorders that involve physical events or experiences that disrupt sleep. Night terrors are characterised by episodes of distress, including crying out, moving erratically, and showing signs of agitation during sleep. Unlike nightmares, where waking up is more likely, an individual experiencing a night terror is unlikely to wake up.
Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of night terrors in adults. These include restless leg syndrome, sleep deprivation, fatigue, travel-related sleep disruptions, medications like stimulants or antidepressants, fever or illness, and alcohol use. Underlying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and trauma or chronic stress, may also be associated with night terrors. Respiratory conditions like sleep apnea could potentially increase the risk of having night terrors.
Creating a healthy sleep routine can help prevent night terrors. This includes avoiding blue light before bed, relaxing, and limiting caffeine and alcohol. Setting an alarm or having a loved one wake an individual about 15 minutes before an episode and offering non-physical comfort may also help manage night terrors.
In cases where night terrors have a negative impact on an individual's life, cause excessive tiredness, affect day-to-day activities, or pose a risk of harm to oneself or others, it may be necessary to visit a doctor, sleep specialist, or therapist. Addressing underlying stress, anxiety, or trauma may also help in managing night terrors.
It's important to note that night terrors are not a diagnosable condition in themselves, but can be a combination of conditions like nightmare disorder, NREM sleep arousal disorder, and REM sleep behavior disorder. The most common causes of night terror episodes in adults, such as latent epilepsy, hypnagogic hallucinations, nocturnal confusion in dementia patients, sleep apnea syndrome, and medication-induced anxiety from neuroleptics or tricyclic antidepressants, are not precisely known. Family predisposition and stress factors may also play roles, but exact causes remain unclear.
During a night terror, the eyes are often open, but not during a nightmare. Night terrors typically occur during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and can last from 45 to 90 minutes, though the duration can vary.
In conclusion, while night terrors can be distressing, understanding their causes, symptoms, and potential triggers can help individuals manage them effectively. If night terrors are causing significant issues in your life, it's recommended to seek professional help.
