Parasomnias (night terrors, sleep talking and walking)

Question 1

Features

Answer 1

These are not true sleep disorders or night-time arousals but occur in deep sleep.

Night terrors, which cluster around 2–4 and 6–9 yrs, last 1–2 mins.

The child is usually inconsolable and has no memory of the event.

Question 2

Management

Answer 2

No active treatment usu. needed

6-wk trial of phenytoin or imipramine or hypnotics if severe and persistent with injury risk