Sleep Terrors (Night Terrors)

Overview

A healthcare provider will diagnose night terrors after a detailed history and a physical exam to learn more about you or your symptoms or gather observations from a parent or sleeping partner. Treatment isn’t necessary if you only have infrequent episodes, like a few night terrors a year. But you should see a healthcare provider if they happen frequently, like a few times each week.

You won’t usually need additional testing. But your provider may offer tests like an electroencephalogram (EEG) or overnight sleep study (polysomnography) to rule out conditions with similar symptoms or triggers like obstructive sleep apnea.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.