Main Article Content
Nightmares and sleep terrors
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.
South African Family Practice Vol. 49 (6) 2007: pp. 26-27