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Definition of Sleep Terror

By Brandon Peters, M.D., About.com

Created: July 14, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: One of the parasomnias, it typically affects young children. It can involve an emotional sleep disturbance, including: anxiety, panic, gasping, moaning, or screaming. This occurs during non-rapid eye movement (REM) or slow-wave sleep. It is not usually remembered the next morning, and the person experiencing it may not be fully conscious during it.
Also Known As: Night terror, Parvor nocturnus
Examples: My son had sleep terrors when he was young. It was very frightening because he would suddenly be screaming and crying uncontrollably.
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