Night Terror Research Paper

Night terrors happen to, most commonly, children around four to twelve years of age, but can occur throughout all ages. “Sleep terrors are equally prevalent for males and females.” (Cline p1) Most of the time with night terrors, one will not fully wake up, but can hear what is going on around them. Night terrors most often occur in the NREM stages of sleep, but do occasionally happen in the REM sleep. “Night terrors are a sleep disorder characterized by anxiety episodes with extreme panic, often followed by screaming, flailing, fast breathing, and sweating that usually occur within a few hours after going to sleep.” (Laberge p1). Most night terrors are caused my extreme tension, stress, medications, excessive tiredness at bed time, eating a heavy meal prior to bed, drug abuse, use of alcohol, or any incidences involving a head injury. My father, Rob Dahlager, had a Navy background and training and experienced night terrors after he came home and settled in with my mother.
My dad’s night terrors lasted for about three years, 1996-1999. The night terrors involved five to fifteen people surrounding him, all with different weapons, that were sent out to kill him. He knew …show more content…
“The lights should be turned on, and soothing comments should be directed at the person…” (Cline p1) The best way to help someone who has night terrors should see a physician so they can recommend the best treatment for the circumstances. “The physician may prescribe a benzodiazepine tranquilizer, such as Diazepam, known to depress Stage 4 sleep.” (Cline p2) Like I stated before, his night terror lasted about three years from 1996 to 1999. My dad never tried to do anything about his night terrors consciously or sub consciously. His night terrors went away after he moved, had his first kid, me, changed jobs, and started his own business. For once, he felt in control of his life and did not have to rely on other people or be by himself in certain