Sleepwalking and Night Terrors: What’s the Difference?

Sleepwalking and night terrors are two common sleep disorders that can cause confusion and fear in individuals who experience them. While they may seem similar on the surface, there are actually significant differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the definitions, causes, symptoms, and treatments of sleepwalking and night terrors to better understand their distinctions.

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a disorder that causes a person to walk or perform other activities while they are asleep. It typically occurs during the first few hours of sleep, when the individual is in a deep sleep state. Sleepwalking episodes can last anywhere from a few seconds to up to 30 minutes, and the person is usually unaware of their actions. It is more common in children than adults, with an estimated 15% of children experiencing at least one sleepwalking episode.

On the other hand, night terrors, also called sleep terrors, are sudden episodes of extreme fear or terror during sleep. They can occur during any stage of sleep and usually happen within the first few hours of falling asleep. Unlike sleepwalking, people who experience night terrors often have no recollection of the episode upon waking up. These episodes can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour and are more common in children, with about 6.5% of children experiencing at least one night terror.

One of the main differences between sleepwalking and night terrors is the stage of sleep in which they occur. Sleepwalking occurs during deep sleep, while night terrors occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. This is significant because the body is more active during REM sleep, which could explain why night terrors are often more intense and vocal than sleepwalking episodes.

Sleepwalking and Night Terrors: What's the Difference?

The causes of sleepwalking and night terrors are not fully understood, but there are several theories. Some research suggests that both disorders may have a genetic component, as they tend to run in families. Other possible causes include sleep deprivation, stress, fever, and certain medications. In some cases, sleepwalking and night terrors can be triggered by sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.

The symptoms of sleepwalking and night terrors can vary, but there are some common signs to look out for. During a sleepwalking episode, the person may sit up in bed, walk around the house, or perform routine activities like getting dressed or going to the bathroom. They may also talk or mumble, but their speech is usually nonsensical. In contrast, during a night terror episode, the person may scream, thrash around, or exhibit signs of extreme fear, such as rapid breathing and a racing heart rate.

Treatment for sleepwalking and night terrors depends on the severity and frequency of the episodes. In children, both disorders usually disappear as they grow older and their sleep patterns mature. However, if the episodes are frequent or pose a safety risk, a doctor may recommend medication or therapy. For sleepwalking, a doctor may prescribe a low dose of a sedative to help the individual stay in a deeper sleep. For night terrors, cognitive-behavioral therapy may be recommended to help the individual manage stress and anxiety.

In summary, sleepwalking and night terrors are two distinct sleep disorders that may seem similar but have significant differences. Sleepwalking is characterized by episodes of walking or performing activities while asleep, occurring during deep sleep, and affecting mostly children. In contrast, night terrors are sudden episodes of extreme fear or terror during REM sleep, affecting both children and adults. While the causes and treatments for these disorders are not fully understood, there are various strategies that can help individuals manage and reduce the frequency of these episodes.