Many patients may not be able to recall night terrors, as the patient may settle back into sleep without fully waking up. Some people may confuse night terrors with nightmares. Nightmares, however, may be recalled by the patient, while night terrors may be rarely recalled.

Unlike a nightmare, a scary or frightening situation may not be dreamt, but rather the emotion of fear itself may be felt by the patient. Night terrors may cause apprehension, although the patient may not recall any sounds or visions that may have caused the night terror.

Awaking from a night terror may cause the patient to feel disoriented, often forgetting their name, age, current location, and other personal features. Young children age two to six may be at a greater risk for having night terrors.

Night terrors may occur for several weeks and suddenly stop. Children, however, may be able to recall the incident and may hallucinate as they are nearly awake. A family history of night terrors may put children at a greater chance of having night terrors of their own.

Emotional stress or a high fever may trigger night terrors, although many possible triggers may exist. Irregular bowel movements may also trigger night terrors. Getting a proper amount of sleep each night may help to defend against night terrors. Still, there may be a link between narcolepsy and night terrors.

Night terrors in adults may be less common than in children. Symptoms may be similar, but treatments may differ in adults and children.

If left untreated, night terrors may occur every night. Patients may be advised to get a proper amount of sleep, eat a healthy diet and reduce their stress. Night terrors in adults may be trauma-based rather than genetic and may be effectively treated with the use of antidepressants and psychotherapy.

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