From the Research
Night terrors can be associated with sleep apnea, and treating the underlying sleep apnea is crucial to reduce or eliminate night terrors. Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, can trigger night terrors in both children and adults. This happens because the oxygen deprivation and sleep fragmentation caused by sleep apnea can disrupt normal sleep architecture, particularly deep non-REM sleep when night terrors typically occur 1. People with untreated sleep apnea may experience more frequent arousals from deep sleep, creating the perfect conditions for night terrors to develop.
Key Points to Consider
- Sleep apnea can trigger night terrors by disrupting normal sleep architecture 1
- Treatment of the underlying sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, or in some cases surgery, often reduces or eliminates night terrors
- Weight loss may also help in cases where obesity contributes to sleep apnea
- If experiencing night terrors along with symptoms like loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, or excessive daytime sleepiness, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment of possible sleep apnea
Recent Study Findings
A recent study found that CPAP treatment can improve quality of life, reduce depression and anxiety in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) 2. Another study highlighted the benefits of CPAP therapy, along with alternative treatment options including oral appliance, implantable and wearable devices, and surgery 3.
Clinical Implications
Treating sleep apnea is essential to improve morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in patients with night terrors. Healthcare providers should evaluate patients experiencing night terrors for possible sleep apnea and provide appropriate treatment to reduce the frequency and severity of night terrors.