What are the differences between night terrors and nightmares?
Nightmares occur during REM sleep and are characterized by a frightening dream.
The event typically results in a prolonged wake period. In comparison to night terrors, nightmares occur during the last third of the night and are intense during REM sleep.
Most children are awake and are able to recall the events of the dream. In addition, nightmares have more of an emotional component as opposed to autonomic nervous system activation, which occurs in night terrors.
Night terrors usually occur during the first third of the night or first half of the night, which consists of slow-wave sleep.
Treatment involves education and reassurance.
