Night Terrors: what it usually means
Also searched as: sleep terrors, pavor nocturnus, nighttime screaming episodes · Updated 19 Aug 2026 · Educational — not medical advice
The short answer: Night terrors are episodes of intense fear, screaming, or thrashing that occur during deep non-dream sleep, most common in children between ages three and twelve, and the child usually has no memory of the episode the next morning. They are different from nightmares and from seizures, and most children outgrow them without treatment. Episodes that are highly repetitive in exact pattern, involve tongue-biting, stiffening, or loss of bladder control should be evaluated to rule out a seizure disorder.
See a doctor promptly if…
Episodes that are highly stereotyped and repetitive in the exact same pattern each time should be evaluated to rule out a seizure disorder.
Night terrors involving tongue-biting, body stiffening, jerking movements, or loss of bladder control need prompt evaluation.
Episodes that occur multiple times a night, continue past adolescence, or are increasing in frequency should be discussed with a pediatrician.
Daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, or breathing pauses alongside night terrors should be mentioned, since sleep-disordered breathing can be a contributing factor.
Common causes
- Deep sleep arousal disorder — Night terrors happen when a child partially wakes from deep, non-dream sleep, causing confusion, fear, and physical activity without full consciousness.
- Overtiredness or irregular sleep schedule — Sleep deprivation and inconsistent bedtimes make partial arousals from deep sleep more likely.
- Fever or illness — Being unwell, especially with a fever, can increase the likelihood of night terrors in susceptible children.
- Family history — Night terrors and other arousal disorders like sleepwalking tend to run in families.
- Sleep disruption from other conditions — Sleep apnea, restless legs, or an uncomfortable sleep environment can fragment sleep and trigger arousal episodes.
What helps
- Maintain a consistent, adequate bedtime, since overtiredness increases the frequency of night terrors.
- Avoid waking your child during an episode; instead, ensure their safety and stay nearby until it passes.
- Keep a predictable, calming bedtime routine to support deeper, less fragmented sleep.
- Note the timing and pattern of episodes to share with your pediatrician if they become frequent.
Which doctor to consult
Your pediatrician can confirm that episodes fit the typical pattern of night terrors and refer to a sleep specialist or neurologist if episodes are highly repetitive or involve features suggesting a seizure.
Questions people ask
How are night terrors different from nightmares?
Nightmares happen during dream sleep, and children usually wake up scared and remember the dream. Night terrors happen during deep, non-dream sleep, involve screaming or thrashing while still mostly asleep, and children typically have no memory of the episode the next day.
Will my child remember the night terror in the morning?
Most children have no memory of a night terror episode the next morning, since it occurs during a partial arousal from deep sleep rather than full wakefulness. Parents are often more distressed by witnessing the episode than the child is affected by it.
Do night terrors mean my child has epilepsy?
Most night terrors are not related to epilepsy. However, if episodes are highly repetitive in the exact same pattern, involve tongue-biting, stiffening, or loss of bladder control, a pediatrician may recommend an evaluation to rule out a seizure disorder.
Related symptoms
This guide is educational and doesn't replace a clinical assessment. If a symptom is severe, rapidly worsening, or worrying you, see a doctor — being checked and reassured is never a wasted visit.