Pavor Nocturnus (Noun)
Meaning
A disorder of sleep characterized by a dream of terrifying dimensions far worse than a typical nightmare; they occur during NREM sleep.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The child's pavor nocturnus episodes left her screaming and disoriented in the middle of the night with no memory of the dream when she awoke.
- Pavor nocturnus often affects children aged three to eight years old and can be triggered by sleep deprivation or stress.
- Researchers have found that pavor nocturnus episodes tend to occur during stage III of non-REM sleep when brain activity slows down.
- Dissimilar to night terrors caused by pavor nocturnus, typical nightmares occur during the rapid eye movement stage of sleep.
- The episodes of pavor nocturnus were frequent and disturbing, causing the parents to seek professional help to address underlying issues.