OVERVIEW
Sleep terror disorder refers to a condition that occurs during non rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. This condition is characterized by sleep terrors.
Sleep terrors are episodes of screaming/crying during which the child is inconsolable and cannot be fully awaked. Often times the children will have a flushed face, sweating, and tachycardia. These episodes will also a few minutes and then the child will settle back down to sleep. Typical the child will have no memory of the incident by the next morning.
TREATMENT
Typically sleep terrors resolve spontaneously as the child ages.
Diazepam may be used in more severe forms of this condition.
OTHER FACTS
Nightmares are different then sleep terror because they occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
Page Updated: 09.01.2016