NIGHT TERROR Meaning and
Definition
-
Night terror is a psychological disorder characterized by sudden and intense bouts of extreme fear, usually occurring during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage of sleep. This disorder, also known as sleep terror disorder or pavor nocturnus, primarily affects children but can also occur in adults. Night terrors typically arise in the first few hours of sleep and may last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, leaving the individual in a state of heightened arousal.
During these episodes, individuals often appear to be in a semiconscious state, displaying outward signs of fear such as screaming, crying, and sweating profusely. They may exhibit other symptoms like rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, and difficulty in breathing. The individual may be inconsolable, unresponsive to attempts at comforting, and may even seem disoriented after awakening from the episode. Contrary to nightmares, the individual has no recollection of the terrifying event upon awakening, further differentiating night terrors from other sleep disturbances.
The precise causes of night terrors remain unclear, although factors such as genetics, resultant stress, underlying sleep disorders, and certain medications have been associated with their occurrence. While treatment may not usually be necessary, ensuring a safe sleep environment, reducing stress, and maintaining regular sleep patterns can help manage the frequency and intensity of night terror episodes. In severe cases, therapeutic interventions like psychotherapy or, in extremely rare instances, medication might be recommended to alleviate the symptoms and enhance overall sleep quality.
Common Misspellings for NIGHT TERROR
- bight terror
- might terror
- jight terror
- hight terror
- nught terror
- njght terror
- nkght terror
- noght terror
- n9ght terror
- n8ght terror
- nifht terror
- nivht terror
- nibht terror
- nihht terror
- niyht terror
- nitht terror
- niggt terror
- nigbt terror
- nignt terror
Etymology of NIGHT TERROR
The word "night terror" originates from the combination of two words: "night" and "terror".
The term "night" derives from the Old English word "niht", which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages. The Proto-Germanic word "nakhts" also contributed to the formation of "night".
On the other hand, "terror" comes from the Latin word "terror", meaning "great fear" or "dread". This Latin term originated from the verb "terrere", meaning "to frighten" or "to fill with fear".
When these two words are combined, "night terror" refers to intense fear or panic that occurs during sleep, often accompanied by partial awakening, confusion, and difficulty in calming down.
Similar spelling words for NIGHT TERROR
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
