They may be sitting up in bed, appear frightened, staring with eyes wide open. They may also be sweating, breathing heavily and complaining of seeing peculiar things or objects that are not really there. Although the exact cause of night terrors, nightmares and other sleep disturbances, is not understood, they are thought to be a result of waking up during a certain stage of the normal sleep cycle. Night terrors occur during the Stage 4 or non-REM sleep period. Nightmares, on the other hand, occur during another stage or during REM sleep.
Night terrors are generally infrequent and usually stop on their own without specific treatment.
Again, this occurs very rarely. To summarize, most children outgrow both nightmares and night terrors. Knowing this fact is a relief to many parents. The information provided in this site is designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.