The Subtle Differences Between Nightmares and Night Terrors: A Personal Perspective

Living with narcolepsy type 1 (with cataplexy) has given me a unique relationship with sleep. I’ve become quite adept at handling the complexities of daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, but my nights are often full of vivid dreams. It made me think about the difference between nightmares and night terrors, because despite both impacting my sleep, they do it in different ways.

Nightmares

For me, like dark clouds that occasionally drift through my sleep, are nightmares. These intense scary dreams sometimes shock me back into consciousness, having left my heart pounding and my mind in turmoil. It mostly happens during the REM stages of sleep, where dreaming is much more vivid. My nightmares tend to be a reflection of what I fear most during the day, turning them into strange and disturbing scenarios.

One of the peculiarities of narcolepsy is that REM sleep comes on very quickly, which means I often fall asleep faster than other people.¹ This can sometimes make it difficult for me to tell whether I am awake or dreaming, and this makes my nightmares appear so real. When I wake up, I remember every single minute detail too well; fear still never leaves me, even making it hard to go back to bed again.

Night terrors

Night terrors on the other hand are something else entirely. They don’t occur as frequently for me, but they are no less troubling when they do happen. Unlike nightmares, night terrors occur during non-REM sleep, usually in the first few hours after falling asleep.^2,3 During a night terror, I might sit up, scream, or thrash around, completely unaware of my surroundings.

What’s odd is that I rarely remember night terrors. I might wake up feeling disoriented or with a vague sense of unease, but the actual events of the terror remain hidden in the fog of sleep. This lack of memory is both a blessing and a curse. It spares me the immediate fear but leaves a lingering question of what happened during those lost moments.

Understanding the difference

Understanding the difference between nightmares and night terrors has been crucial for managing my sleep health. Nightmares, with their vivid recall, have taught me to confront my daytime anxieties and stressors. I’ve found solace in journaling before bed, pouring my worries onto paper to keep them from invading my dreams.

Other than being more elusive, night terrors have necessitated a shift in approach. It is crucial to make sure that the sleep environment is calm and stable. This has even led me to develop a regular bedtime schedule, which involves dim light, soothing smell, and low-tone music till I fall asleep. Dealing with evening stimulants like alcohol and tea as well as going off screens has also assisted in reducing them.

Helping me take more control

Living with narcolepsy type 1 means my relationship with sleep will always be complex. Yet my awareness of what separates nightmares from night terrors has made me powerful. This enables different coping strategies according to these experiences, which improves my overall sleep quality.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that our sleep reflects our waking life. By meeting head-on fears and stresses, I can help try to create a peaceful mind that spans day and night. A journey towards self-discovery and resilience where each step towards better sleep takes us closer to a healthier, balanced life.

For anyone navigating similar struggles, remember that you’re not alone. Our journeys may be full of challenges. But with understanding and support, we can have more peaceful nights and happier days ahead of us.