Nightmares and sleep terrors

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Authors

Scribante, L.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Medpharm Publications

Abstract

Nightmares are common in childhood and concern regarding underlying psychological or physical causes should only be investigated when nightmares become frequent, are present for a prolonged period of time or are associated with day-time behavioural or performance dysfunction. Sleep terrors may be provoked by a number of factors, such as: fever, sleep deprivation, urinary bladder distension, a noisy environment and central nervous system depressants. This article discusses the differences between nightmares and sleep terrors and provides a management approach for the family practitioner.

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Keywords

Nightmares, Childhood, Sleep terrors

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Scribante, L 2007, 'Nightmares and sleep terrors', South African Family Practice, vol. 49, no. 6, pp. 26-27. [www.safpj.co.za]