Night terrors (known as pavor nocturnus in children) are relatively short nocturnal episodes during which the child sits up in bed, emits a piercing scream or cry, looks frightened, and sweats and breathes profusely. Episodes usually occur between the ages of 4 and 12, are more common in boys than girls, and can be expected to disappear as the child grows older. Typically, they occur during the first third of the night. The disorder may progress to sleep walking, but generally that only happens when the child is made to stand up. Later the child will forget the entire episode. Parents should comfort and provide warmth and support to children who experience night terrors. The condition does not indicate any personality disorder.

Nightmares, unlike night terrors, can be recalled afterward and are accompanied by much less anxiety and movement. These frightening dream experiences, which tend to occur at times of insecurity, emotional turmoil, depression, or guilt, can occur in all age groups. They are rarely accompanied by the anguished, terrified scream of the night-terror arousal. A person experiencing a nightmare will usually recount in de tail a threat which ultimately led to the awakening. Some people rarely have nightmares, while others seem predisposed to them.