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It's Not a Nightmare: Understanding Sleep Terrors.

Erin Ellington

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services August 1, 2018 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20180723-03 (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Review Peer reviewed
Topics Dreaming
Key findings Argues that sleep terrors in children are usually temporary and benign, but that some psychiatric conditions may be associated with a higher prevalence of parasomnias, so basic mental health examinations should include sleep-related screening. Contends that nurses should be equipped to educate and support concerned parents.

Abstract

Sleep terrors, one of the non-rapid eye movement parasomnias, are interesting nighttime phenomena that can be distressing for parents. For most children, this behavior is temporary and does not cause significant problems. However, some psychiatric conditions may have a higher prevalence of parasomnias, including sleep terrors. Although sleep terrors may be a benign and common event in children, a basic mental health examination should include a sleep-related screening to possibly identify underlying issues. Nurses must be knowledgeable about sleep terrors and able to provide education and support when parents share their concerns. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56(8), 11-14.].

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