Night terrors (N3) vs. nightmares (REM)
A child sits up screaming during the first third of the night and has no memory of it in the morning. In which sleep stage do these night terrors mainly occur?
Answer A: explanation for every choice
A
Correct. Night terrors arise from N3, which dominates the first part of the night, and are usually not remembered.
B
Nightmares occur in REM, are often remembered, and are more common late in the night when REM periods lengthen.
C
N1 is the light transition into sleep, associated with hypnagogic imagery and sudden jerks.
D
N2 is marked by sleep spindles and K-complexes and is not associated with night terrors.
TakeawayN3 dominates early in the night. REM periods grow longer toward morning.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps39.