Nightmares vs. Night Terrors: Understanding the Differences

People who experience nightmares may find themselves jolting awake in the middle of the night, often able to recall the terrifying dream that disrupted their sleep. Nightmares are common during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, and they can sometimes lead to physical movements, such as jerking limbs.

However, a more intense experience can occur for those who have night terrors. Night terrors happen during the deep non-REM stage of sleep. They often cause individuals to suddenly sit up in bed in a state of panic, accompanied by terrified screams.

Unlike nightmares, where the dreamer usually remembers the content of the dream upon waking, individuals with night terrors often wake up feeling confused, disoriented, and groggy, with little to no memory of the dream. Night terrors may not be rooted in psychological fears but can be linked to physical issues during sleep, such as breathing difficulties, accidental choking on saliva, or twisted limbs. This explains sensations like gasping or choking during night terrors.

While nightmares can last several minutes, night terrors are usually over within one or two minutes. During this brief period, heart rate and breathing can double. If the terror doesn’t fully awaken the person, they might even start sleepwalking. It’s worth noting that night terrors are most common in children and tend to diminish as people grow older.

Artists and emotionally sensitive individuals may experience nightmares more frequently, though the exact reasons for nightmares remain uncertain.