Nightmares

Night Terrors

Sudden awakening from sleep with intense fear, anxiety and feeling of impending harm

Sudden awakening from sleep often accompanied by screaming, crying or yelling

Occurs later in sleep

Occurs earlier in sleep

Immediate recall of frightening dream upon waking

May experience a vague sense of frightening images, but no specific recall of frightening dream upon waking

Little confusion or disorientation upon waking

Confusion or disorientation upon waking

Mild increase in heart rate, breathing rate or sweating

Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and breathing rate (tachypnea) and profuse sweating

Patients generally awaken on their own

Others have difficulty waking and/or comforting patient