Pavor nocturnus; Sleep terror disorder
Treatment
In many cases, a child who has a night terror only needs comfort and reassurance. Psychotherapy or counseling may be appropriate in some cases. Benzodiazepine medications (such as diazepam) used at bedtime will often reduce night terrors; however, medication is rarely recommended to treat this disorder.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Most children outgrow night terrors in a short period of time. They don't usually remember the event. Stress reduction and/or psychotherapy may be helpful for night terror in adults.
Complications
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Insomnia (unusual)
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
- The night terrors are persistent or frequent
- They occur often enough to regularly disrupt sleep
- Other symptoms occur with the night terror
- The night terror causes, or almost causes, injuries
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