Sleep terrors that occur in children are called pavor nocturnus. Sleep terrors that occur in adults are called incubus. Adults who experience sleep terrors almost always experienced them as a child. Although they are usually outgrown, the terrors can reoccur during times of stress. As a preventative measure, it is a good idea to always try to get a good night's sleep.
Sleep terrors have a greater tendency to occur when someone is sleep deprived.
If you don't get much sleep on one night, your brain will try to make up for the sleep you missed on the next night. This could increase the amount of time spent in the deeper stages of sleep when sleep terrors are most likely to occur. If you get as much sleep as possible, sleep becomes a little more shallow. In more severe cases medication can be prescribed by a sleep specialist. The Centre for Sleep and Dream Studies, Ottawa, Canada.