Night Terrors Quiz

These are fearful episodes involving screaming, flailing and/or thrashing that occur when the person is asleep and don't have memory of upon awakening. They are common in children, who tend to outgrow it with age. This is generally not worrisome unless sleep is significantly disrupted (and hence insufficient).

• Unable to recall abnormal behaviors or actions that I did while asleep

• Uncontrollable movements that usually happen at night

• Eyes open during seizure

• Child cries at night

• When sleeping, I sometimes scream loudly and wake up

• Have slept so deeply that others were unable to awaken me

• Uncontrollable movements that make me subconsciously walk or wander around

• Punch or strike out with fists while asleep

Medical treatment is generally not needed. Treatment may be helpful for particularly disruptive night terrors or night terrors that may compromise safety. Treatment options include treating underlying causes (sleep apnea, or stress and anxiety), or waking the person in anticipation of an episode before a night terror begins.