But night terrors (also known as sleep terrors) are more than just super-intensenightmares.
Nightmares are, unfortunately, something youll probably experience occasionally.
Theunpleasant dreamswe know as nightmares are very common.
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Department of Veterans Affairs.Occasional nightmares are common and nothing to worry about (unpleasant though they may be).
All that said, its notable if your nightmares arent just occasional annoyances.
Night terrors are far less common than nightmares in adults.
Night terrors are considered aparasomnia, a jot down of disorder marked by abnormal occurrences during sleep.
Almost 40% of children will experience night terrors, but most outgrow them by their teen years.
Sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and alcohol use can also increase the likelihood of night terrors.
Also noteworthy: A lot of people who have night terrorssleepwalk.
We think this is because night terrors and sleepwalking have similar underlying mechanisms in the brain during sleep.
There are a few key differences that set nightmares and night terrors apart.
For starters, nightmares and night terrors typically happen at different points in the sleep cycle.
Night terrors typically happen during non-REM sleep, specifically stage-three sleep.
Another major difference between nightmares and night terrors is how you might react when you wake up.
What does nightmare treatment entail?
For mild cases of nightmares, I recommend something called image rehearsal therapy.
It works by desensitizing a specific nightmare so its less scary.
During the day, write out your nightmare, remembering the early details.
But near the end of the story, during the most frightening part, create a non-scary ending.
Visualize this story a few times a day.
How do you treat night terrors?
When it comes to treating night terrors vs. nightmares, I go about night terrors differently.
I recommend mapping the timing of night terrors and setting analarmbefore they strike.
Ask them to keep track of the time of your terrors so you know when to set the alarm.
Wake up with the alarm and go back to sleep.
Try calming activities like reading (nothing scary!
), doing puzzles, meditating, doing relaxation exercises, or snuggling under aweighted blanket.
Trying your best to reduce stress in general, not just at bedtime, can also help.
If you have nightmares, maybe try a night-light (theyre not just for kids!)
or go out of your way to makeyour room extra cozyand safe-feeling.
Are you having a hard time focusing at work?
Then, yes, its time to see your doctor.
Additional reporting by Anna Borges.
