NIGHT TERRORS IN ADULTS

Course overview

Night terrors (NTs; also referred to as sleep terrors and pavor nocturnus) consist of sudden arousal from slow-wave sleep (SWS) that is associated with specific behavioral and physiological manifestations. Classified as a type of parasomnia, NTs are characterized by recurrent, sudden arousals from sleep that may be accompanied by thrashing, kicking, screaming, shouting, or other behaviors that seem inappropriate to the situation. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of night terrors, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.