Night terrors are a sleep disorder in which a person quickly awakens from sleep in a terrified state. Terrors are interrupting sleep on a regular basis. First four stages are commonly referred as Non-REM, and Night terrors arise in 3rd or 4th NREM stage, while on the other hand Nightmares happens in stage REM. What are Nightmares? Terrors last longer than 30 minutes. 1. The first and essential difference between Night Terrors and Nightmare is the stage of sleep they occur in. If nightmares or night terrors regularly disturb your child’s sleep, they can affect your child’s ability to function during the day. Dreamlike mentations during sleepwalking and sleep terrors in adults. 2. Contrary to popular belief, night terrors in adults are a serious condition that can lead to unwanted injuries and sudden deaths. You have other questions or concerns about your child's night terrors. Dreamlike mentations during sleepwalking and sleep terrors in adults. Knowing some of the main differences can help you understand what’s going on and discover possible steps you can take to improve sleep. Crisp AH. Crisp AH.  Each can have elements that terrify, either experienced by the person who has it or alternatively by those who witness Sometimes the terms may incorrectly be used one for another, but there are clear differences. Because nightmares and sleep terrors happen during different stages of sleep, they also happen at different times of night as a result. Oudiette D, Leu S, Pottier M, et al. What causes night terrors is not very well understood, so the sleep disorder is often misdiagnosed as nightmares or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Both night terrors and nightmares are sleep disorders classified as parasomnias (abnormal episodes while asleep). Maintaining a comfortable sleep environment is also important. Night Terrors What are nightmares? Night Terrors Vs Nightmares. Oudiette D, Leu S, Pottier M, et al. When a kid has a nightmare, he or she typically wants to tell his or her parents about it and gain reassurance that it was just a dream and not real. Night Terrors In Adults – When a child experiences sleep disturbances such as night terrors, people consider it a part of their childhood. Because stress affects the nerves and the brain, interrupting their normal functioning, it is easy to understand why night terrors are caused by physical or emotional stress. 1. 2. Nightmares have come and gone since childhood, being more prevalent during the early years and less common in adults. Night terrors occur most often in patients when they are very young, between the ages of 3 and 5 years old, although night terrors also affect adult patients. Nightmares and night terrors are both scary and can cause sleep disturbances, but they are not the same thing. Postgrad Med J. To be clear, night terrors are more than just really bad nightmares. Night terrors are often mistaken for nightmares, but doctors warn parents that there are telltale signs that can help distinguish the two. Because stress affects the nerves and the brain, interrupting their normal functioning, it is easy to understand why night terrors are caused by physical or emotional stress. Night terrors are often mistaken for nightmares, but doctors warn parents that there are telltale signs that can help distinguish the two. 1996;72(852):599-604. The sleepwalking/night terrors syndrome in adults. Dreamlike mentations during sleepwalking and sleep terrors in adults. Treatment generally focuses on promoting safety and eliminating causes or triggers. Night terrors are more common in kids. Postgrad Med J. The Difference Between Night Terrors and Nightmares. Physical or emotional stress is a problem that many adults deal with at a certain point in their life.