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Night Terrors - the Basics Of Night Terrors

Night Terrors - What You Need To Know About Night Terrors

From About.com

Created: November 22, 2003

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Night Terrors - What are they? Everyone dreams, even if the dreams are sometimes not remembered. Many people suffer from an occasional nightmare. Others suffer the terrifying, seldom remembered horror of night terrors.

SYMPTOMS OF NIGHT TERRORS

  • Sudden awakening from sleep
  • Fear or terror during the night
  • Sweating and confusion
  • Rapid pulse, pounding heart
  • Inability to recall the dream
  • Difficult to awaken, inconsolable

CAUSES OF NIGHT TERRORS

  • Lack of sleep
  • Fever or illness
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Disrupted sleep schedule
  • Some medications
  • Alcohol or Drugs

METHODS OF DIAGNOSING NIGHT TERRORS

  • Frequent awakenings, often with a scream
  • Intense fear upon awakening
  • Difficult to wake up sleeper
  • Inability to recall the dream.
  • No recall of the event in the morning

TREATMENT OF NIGHT TERRORS

  • Reduce stress
  • Keep to a regular sleep schedule
  • Hypnosis or biofeedback
  • Talk to a doctor about medication

For more on night terrors, check out my Dreams Articles and Links.

For methods of coping with night terrors, read How to Deal With Night Terrors

 

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