But what exactly are they?

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What are night terrors?

So, what exactly are they?

What causes night terrors?

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Here we look at some of them in more detail.

However, Dr Kaylor explains why stress can be one of the causes.

This intensifies sleep instability, making sudden awakenings more likely.

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This is down to your brain being overtired.

This disruption to your sleep can interrupt your deep sleep processes, leading to an onset of night terrors.

Sleep disorders

If youve already been diagnosed with a sleep disorder this could bring on night terrors.

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She adds thatinsomnialeads to sleep deprivation which increases the likelihood of deep sleep disturbances.

Experts believe that genes influencing brain activity and arousal responses during deep sleep may contribute.

Whats the difference between nightmares and night terrors?

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Nightmares and night terrorsnot only differ in their symptoms, but also when they happen.

When we sleep we go through different sleep stages, from light, to deep and then to REM.

Dr Kaylor explains that terrors happen during deep sleep.

REM sleep refers to a stage of sleep that is characterized by rapid eye movement.

It’s when most people experience dreams and it’s responsible for emotional processing and memory consolidation.

So, how will someone react to night terrors?

After all,quality sleepis more important than the quantity you get.

make a run at get 7-9 hours per night and stay consistent with your wake and sleep times.

She also advises that you should give a shot to avoid naps.

Download a mediation app such as Headspace, or journal down your thoughts as part of a calmingnighttime routine.

Tom’s Guide created this content as part of a paid partnership with Helix Sleep.

The contents of this article are independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of Tom’s Guide.