Night Terrors in Adults: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Night terrors in adults can be terrifying, especially to those witnessing their loved one during an episode. Nightmares are common and typically happen hours after someone falls asleep. However, night terrors occur during the non-REM sleep, around one to three hours after falling asleep.

Knowing the symptoms and causes of night terrors in adults can help you manage episodes and seek professional help when needed.

Symptoms of Night Terrors in Adults

Symptoms of night terrors in adults can leave one feeling emotionally drained, fatigued, and unstable. The good news is that night terrors tend only to last a few minutes. Once you are aware of the occurrence of night terrors, you can work on managing symptoms.

• Sudden screaming – Waking up abruptly one to three hours after falling asleep and screaming is a typical sign of a night terror. You may not be aware of your actions, and the screaming may not fully wake you.
• Thrashing and pushing – People with night terrors may thrash around in bed or push others away. You may wake to find your bed linens and pillows on the floor, or things knocked off the nightstand.
• Violent behavior – Often, people with night terrors behave violently, as if moving through a nightmare. They may not be awake enough to be aware of others around them.
• No memory in the morning – Unlike nightmares, you may not remember having a night terror. Others may tell you about it, or you may see the evidence in and around your bed, but have no memory or only a vague memory of the event.

If you feel that you may harm yourself or others during a night terror, seek help immediately.

Causes of Night Terrors in Adults

The causes of night terrors in adults can vary. Factors, including environmental factors, may play a role. A counselor can help you delve into the underlying cause of your sleep disruption and assist you in managing behaviors.

• Trauma and PTSD – Unresolved trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can trigger night terrors. Many people find that therapy helps them through trauma disorders.
• Anxiety – Anxiety and chronic stress can work as underlying factors while you try to rest and sleep. Your subconscious can wake you as your mind tries to process perceived danger.
• Extreme Stress – Extreme stress can result in chronic inflammation in the body, which can disrupt sleep. The body’s stress response releases adrenaline and cortisol in the body. In a constant state, the body stays in fight-or-flight mode.
• Depression – Depression can increase your risk of sleep deprivation, poor sleep quality, and disruptions. Studies show that nightmares may lead to a higher risk of suicidal thoughts or self-harm. The studies did not elaborate whether the subjects suffered from only nightmares or if night terrors were grouped into the category.
• Alcohol or Drug Abuse – Alcohol and substance abuse raise your risk of developing night terrors.
• Genetics and Family History – Genetics and family history play a role in your risk of experiencing night terrors. Also, age is a crucial factor. Night terrors may re-emerge if the person suffered from them as a child and is extremely stressed or is the victim of trauma.

A counselor can help you determine the factors behind your night terrors and create a mental health plan to assist you in overcoming them.

Treatment for Night Terrors

Treatments for night terrors can include lifestyle alternatives to lower stress and anxiety, combined with counseling to move past obstacles that may be hindering your progress. As with anything of value, results may not be instantaneous. However, over time, you should have fewer incidences of night terrors and be better equipped to handle them.

• Counseling – Talk therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may help get to the root of the night terrors and help in changing thoughts and behaviors.
• Scheduled Wakeup Times – To offset the beginning of a night terror, try scheduling a wake-up time to disrupt the pattern. This is a temporary solution, as you are disrupting sleep. However, because night terrors typically occur within the first three hours of sleep, you have a much better chance of breaking the pattern. Consult with a sleep specialist and your counselor about a long-term solution.
• Stress Management – Most night terrors are brought on by extreme or chronic stress. Learning stress-management and relaxation techniques and adopting healthy lifestyle habits could help reduce the occurrence of night terrors.

Your counselor may have more suggestions for lifestyle tweaks that could reduce the frequency of night terrors.

Christian Counseling Can Help with Night Terrors in Adults

Are night terrors making it difficult to rest? Are you worried about hurting yourself or others during an episode? Contact our office today to speak with a Christian counselor about treatment options, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Night terrors in adults can be addressed with lifestyle alternatives and Christian counseling treatments. Contact us today to get started.