Transcript Sleep Terror Disorder kate brennan

Sleep Terror Disorder
Kate Brennan
What is Sleep Terror Disorder?
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Sleep terror disorder is defined as repeated
temporary arousal from sleep, during which the
affected person appears and acts extremely
frightened.
Also known as “night errors”
A parasomnia disorder characterized by extreme and
a temporary inability to regain full consciousness
A person wakes from a slow- wave sleep
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Usually gasping, moaning, or screaming
What is Sleep Terror Disorder
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Sleep terrors are not nightmares
Also known as pavor nocturnus
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Pavor nocturnus is a frightening sleep disorder in which a person
becomes terrified during a sleep episode, then has no memory of the
event after they fully awake.
It is difficult to wake up someone during a night terror, and if
left alone, most will simply settle back to sleep without
waking.
Causes of Sleep Terror Disorder
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The causes of sleep terror are for the most part
unknown.
Some researchers suggest that sleep terrors are
caused by a delay in the maturation of the child's
central nervous system.
Such factors as sleep deprivation, psychological
stress, and fever may also trigger episodes of sleep
terror.
Symptoms of Sleep Terror Disorder
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Similar to symptoms of extreme fear
 rapid heartbeat, sweating, and rapid breathing
(hyperventilation).
Heart rate can increase up to two to four times the person's
regular rate.
People sometimes scream or cry. The person's facial
expression may be fearful.
Panting
Large pupils
Confusion
Symptoms Continued
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Relative unresponsiveness to efforts of others to
comfort the person during the episode.
No detailed dream is recalled and there is amnesia
for the episode.
The episodes cause clinically significant distress or
impairment in social, occupational, or other
important areas of functioning.
The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological
effects of a substance (drugs or medication) or a
general medical condition.
People Prone to Night Terrors
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Night terrors are most common in children 2 through
6 years old, but can occur at any age.
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3% of children get night terrors
Most children will outgrow night terrors.
The number of episodes usually decreases after age 10.
Causes of Sleep Terror Disorder
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No definite cause
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In children, emotional stress, high fever, or lack of
sleep seem to cause it.
Night terrors can be hereditary.
In adults, stress and lack of sleep seem to be triggers,
as well as emotional tension and the use of alcohol.
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Treatment for Night Terror Disorder
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Gentleness and comfort
Disposal of anything nearby that can potentially be harmful
Avoidance of loud movements or voices that might frighten
the person further
Some doctors may advise other treatment options, such as
counseling or psychotherapy.
Others may prescribe Benzodiazepine medications, such as
diazepam or the over-the-counter Benadryl elixir.
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