Sleep Terror Disorder

Night terrors are episodes that occur during deep sleep, in which the person —often a child— appears to wake up frightened, screams, or thrashes, without remembering afterward what happened. They are distinct from nightmares and are usually benign.

How they present:

• Sudden screaming or crying during the night
• Agitation, sweating, and a look of fear
• Difficulty consoling the person, who does not fully wake up

Common causes: Fatigue, lack of sleep, or stress can favor their appearance, especially in childhood.

Which specialist evaluates it? The pediatrician is a good first point of contact in children, and the psychologist can help when there is underlying stress. If the episodes are very frequent or worrying, discussing them with a professional helps in making the best decisions.