Sleepwalking and Night Terrors: What’s the Difference?

Sleepwalking and night terrors are two sleep disorders that can cause individuals to experience unusual behaviors during their sleep. While both may seem similar, they are actually distinct conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into these two sleep disorders, discussing their differences, causes, and treatment options.

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a parasomnia disorder that occurs during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage of sleep. It is estimated that about 1-15% of adults and up to 30% of children experience sleepwalking at some point in their lives. This disorder is more common in children, but it can also occur in adults, especially those who have a family history of sleepwalking.

During sleepwalking episodes, individuals may perform various activities, such as walking, talking, eating, or even driving, while still asleep. They may have a blank or distant look on their face and may not respond to attempts to communicate with them. Sleepwalking episodes usually occur in the first half of the night, and most people do not remember them in the morning.

On the other hand, night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are a type of parasomnia disorder that occurs during the transition from the NREM stage to the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. This disorder is less common than sleepwalking, affecting about 2-6% of adults and 3-10% of children. Like sleepwalking, night terrors are more prevalent in children, with most cases occurring between the ages of 3 and 12.

Night terrors are characterized by sudden awakenings from sleep, often with a scream or cry, and intense feelings of fear, panic, or terror. Unlike nightmares, which occur during REM sleep and are often remembered, night terrors occur during stage 3 or 4 of NREM sleep and are usually not remembered in the morning. Individuals experiencing night terrors may also have physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and sweating.

Sleepwalking and Night Terrors: What's the Difference?

One of the main differences between sleepwalking and night terrors is the stage of sleep in which they occur. While sleepwalking occurs during the NREM stage, night terrors occur during the transition from NREM to REM sleep. This also explains why sleepwalking is more common in the first half of the night, while night terrors are more likely to occur in the second half.

Another significant difference between these two disorders is their underlying causes. Sleepwalking is often associated with genetics, as individuals with a family history of sleepwalking are more likely to develop the disorder. It can also be triggered by other factors such as sleep deprivation, stress, and medications. On the other hand, night terrors are linked to disruptions in the normal sleep cycle, such as sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, and stress.

Both sleepwalking and night terrors can also be triggered by other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. In some cases, underlying medical conditions, such as fever, seizures, and mental health disorders, can also contribute to the development of these disorders.

When it comes to treatment, the approach may vary for sleepwalking and night terrors. In most cases, sleepwalking does not require treatment, and the episodes tend to decrease as a person ages. However, if sleepwalking is causing significant disruption or poses a safety risk, treatment options such as medication, hypnosis, or cognitive-behavioral therapy may be recommended.

On the other hand, night terrors may require treatment, especially if they occur frequently and affect an individual’s quality of life. Treatment options may include addressing any underlying medical conditions, improving sleep hygiene, and using medications, such as benzodiazepines, to reduce the frequency and severity of night terrors.

In conclusion, while sleepwalking and night terrors may seem similar, they are two distinct sleep disorders with different causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Sleepwalking occurs during the NREM stage of sleep and is often linked to genetics, while night terrors occur during the transition from NREM to REM sleep and can be triggered by disruptions in the normal sleep cycle. If you or a loved one experience either of these sleep disorders, it is essential to consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.