What is Sleep Terror and How Does It Occur?
Sleep terrors are a very frightening sleep disorder that usually occurs during sleep, with sudden fear and panic. They are mostly seen in children, but can also be seen in adults. During sleep terror attacks, individuals appear to wake up suddenly, but they are actually in a deep sleep. During this state, they may scream, sweat, breathe rapidly, and have an increased heart rate. Sleep terrors usually occur during the deep sleep phase of the sleep cycle, during non-REM sleep.
Symptoms and Differences of Sleep Terrors
Sleep terror symptoms can be defined as intense fear and panic attacks experienced during sleep. These symptoms include sudden awakenings, loud screaming, sweating, rapid breathing and heart palpitations. Individuals experiencing sleep terror are usually unconscious during these attacks and do not remember what they experienced when they wake up in the morning. The most important difference that distinguishes sleep terror from other sleep disorders is that the individual is completely unconscious during the event and can continue to sleep after the event.
The Relationship Between Sleep Terrors and Insomnia
Sleep terrors and insomnia are two different sleep disorders that disrupt sleep quality. However, individuals experiencing sleep terrors may also develop insomnia due to repeated attacks. Since sleep terrors occur during the deep sleep phase, they prevent individuals from getting enough and restful sleep. This can lead to fatigue and distraction during the day. Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling or staying asleep and can lead to serious health problems when it becomes chronic.
What Causes Sleep Terrors? Possible Causes
The exact cause of sleep terrors is not known, but it is thought that various factors can trigger the condition. Stress and anxiety are among the most common triggers of sleep terror attacks. In addition, other sleep disorders such as sleep disorders, inadequate sleep, and sleep apnea can also trigger sleep terrors. Genetic factors may also play a role, as sleep terrors are more common in family members. Physical illnesses and medications can also increase the risk of sleep terror attacks.
Who Experiences Sleep Terrors?
Sleep terrors are more common in children, especially those between the ages of 3 and 12. This condition is more common in boys. However, it can also occur in adults, although rarely. Sleep terrors in adults are usually associated with stress, traumatic events, or alcohol and drug use. Additionally, individuals with a family history of sleep terrors are at higher risk of developing this condition.
Sleep Terrors and Their Frequency in Children
Sleep terrors are more common in children, especially between the ages of 3 and 12. Research shows that about 5% of children experience this condition. Sleep terror attacks are usually temporary in children and tend to decrease with puberty. However, in some cases, these attacks can continue after puberty. Sleep terror attacks in children usually last a few minutes, after which the child returns to a deep sleep.
Sleep Terrors and Genetic Factors
Sleep terrors are associated with genetic predisposition. Children with a family history of sleep terrors or other sleep disorders are more likely to develop sleep terrors. Genetic factors play an important role in the causes of sleep terrors. Studies have shown that environmental factors, as well as genetic factors, can trigger sleep terrors. Therefore, genetic predisposition should be considered an important factor in the emergence of sleep terrors.
Treatment Methods for Sleep Terrors
Treatment for sleep terrors can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s age. Sleep terrors in children are usually temporary and may not require treatment. However, if the attacks become frequent and affect the child’s daily life, doctors may recommend relaxing techniques and sleep regulation strategies. In adults, treatment may include stress management, therapy, and medication if necessary. Additionally, paying attention to sleep hygiene, maintaining a sleep schedule, and engaging in relaxing activities can also reduce sleep terror attacks.
Precautions That Can Be Taken to Prevent Sleep Terrors
Some precautions can be taken to prevent sleep terrors. First, it is important to pay attention to sleep hygiene and create a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate the biological clock. It is also important to do relaxing activities before going to bed, reduce stress and make the sleep environment calm and comfortable. Stress management techniques, activities such as yoga and meditation can also help prevent sleep terrors. Paying attention to sleep hygiene and creating a relaxing sleep routine can reduce the frequency of sleep terror attacks.
Misconceptions About Sleep Terrors
There is a lot of misinformation about sleep terrors. First of all, it is thought that sleep terrors only occur in children, but it can also be seen in adults, although rarely. It is also thought that individuals experiencing sleep terrors are conscious and can remember what they experienced, but this is not true. During sleep terrors, individuals are unconscious and usually do not remember the events. This is different from nightmares because nightmares usually occur during REM sleep, while sleep terrors occur during non-REM sleep. It should also be remembered that sleep terrors are associated with genetic factors and are more common in family members.