condition name:
night terrors / nightmares
condition information:
Many children and adults experience nightmares and night terrors, but most children grow out of them. They don't cause any long-term psychological harm to children. Night terrors are very different from nightmares. Nightmares occur from dream sleep (REM sleep). Your may wake up from the nightmare and be able to remember and describe the bad dream.
Nightmares and night terrors are usually associated with children, but they can sometimes also affect adults. There are many possible causes of adult nightmares, but they're often linked to stress, trauma or an existing mental health condition. They can also occur after taking certain types of medication, such as antidepressants. Nightmares don't usually cause any physical harm, but they can be disturbing or upsetting. They may also prevent you getting a good night's sleep.