Non-REM Sleep Arousal Disorder (Sleep Terror Type)

Non-REM sleep arousal disorder, sleep terror type is characterized by sudden arousals from slow-wave sleep with intense fear, autonomic activation, and inconsolable screaming, typically in children. Etiology involves genetic factors, sleep deprivation, stress, and comorbid sleep disorders. Clinically, patients exhibit agitation, sweating, tachycardia, and partial amnesia for the episode. Diagnosis is clinical, based on history and exclusion of seizures or other sleep disorders. Management emphasizes safety, reassurance, addressing stressors, and pharmacologic therapy in severe or frequent cases.