Sleep Terror Treatment in Bangalore
Sleep terror is marked by episodes of intense panic and fear that occur during deep sleep. This often causes thrashing or screaming. Individuals may awaken suddenly, sweat profusely and may have no memory of the event. Though episodes of night terror are not harmful in themselves, they can cause disruptions and distress to both the patient and their families. Sleep terrors can become less common after age 10, but they can also occur in adults. When facing disruptions, it can be beneficial to visit a sleep terror specialist.
At Maarga Mind Care’s Bangalore centre, you can seek help from some of the best doctors specialising in sleep disorders. Our team understands the role of quality sleep in maintaining mental health and well-being. Our expert psychiatrists and psychologists aim to provide top-notch care for sleep-related conditions, including sleep terror.
Sleep terror treatments in Bangalore can involve a combination of therapeutic and lifestyle techniques along with medication management when necessary. We offer personalised care based on individual patient evaluations. Our treatments are not limited to symptom management but also focused on extended support, post-treatment. Seeking treatment for sleep terror at our leading psychiatric centre can therefore be beneficial.
About Sleep Terror Treatment
Sleep terror is categorised under Parasomnia in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV). It refers to disturbances in sleep, wherein individuals may be partially awake and experience panic or fear. They may scream, move around violently and go back to sleep once the episode is over.
Sleep terror episodes can last between 1 and 30 minutes and typically occur during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which is usually the first part of sleep. These episodes can be difficult for parents, caregivers or partners to deal with. Sleep terrors are common among children, and they typically grow out of them by adolescence.
Night terrors are not very common among adults, and frequent episodes may indicate an underlying issue like anxiety.
Symptoms of Sleep Terror
Sleep terrors are not synonymous with nightmares. An individual having a nightmare can often remember details. An individual experiencing sleep terror typically remains asleep and may not recall the episode. Sleep terror may also lead to sleepwalking. During an episode, an individual may experience the following symptoms:
- Screaming, crying, or shouting
- Kicking or thrashing
- Sitting up in bed and looking scared
- Staring wide-eyed
- Sweating, breathing heavily and having a racing pulse
- Finding it hard to wake up and being confused when woken up
- Getting out of bed and moving around the house
- Showcasing aggressive behaviour
- Not being comforted or soothed
Causes of Sleep Terror
During a sleep terror episode, individuals may not fully wake up, even though their appearance may suggest they are awake. The issues that can often cause sleep terror are
- Stress
- Fever
- Sleep schedule changes
- A serious lack of sleep and extreme tiredness
At times, a sleep terror episode is triggered by conditions or habits that can interrupt sleep:
- Sleep-disordered breathing – a group of disorders that affect breathing patterns during sleep
- Restless legs syndrome
- Alcohol use
- Certain medications
- Mood disorders like anxiety or depression
Why Seek Professional Help for Sleep Terrors in Bangalore?
When sleep terror episodes become unmanageable and cause discomfort, a sleep terror doctor in Bangalore can help determine the causes of sleep terrors and may create suitable treatment plans. In the following cases, seeking professional help can be important:
- Safety Concerns: If, during an episode, individuals engage in behaviours or perform actions that cause physical harm to themselves or others.
- High Frequency: If episodes occur more than twice a week or persist post adolescence.
- Severe Sleep Disruption: When episodes are frequent and intense, they can lead to extreme daytime tiredness or sleepiness, requiring professional intervention.
- Underlying Causes: Sleep terror may at times be triggered by conditions like PTSD, sleep apnea or sleep anxiety, which must be treated.
- Distress: Some individuals may experience significant distress during episodes or may fear going to sleep. In such cases, consulting a sleep terror doctor in Bangalore may be a requirement.
Effective Sleep Terror Treatments in Bangalore
If sleep terror poses safety risks, interferes with sleep, or occurs too frequently, treatment may be essential. Treatment for sleep terror in Bangalore typically focuses on eliminating the causes of sleep terror, such as getting rid of triggers. Options usually include:
- Treating an Underlying Condition: If sleep terror episodes are triggered by underlying sleep disorders or mental health conditions, treatment may be focused on treating these conditions.
- Addressing Stress: If issues like stress and anxiety are part of the cause of episodes, sleep terror therapy in Bangalore may be essential. Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), hypnosis, or relaxation therapy may help.
- Medicine: Most professionals do not use medication to treat sleep terrors, especially in children. But if necessary, a doctor can prescribe medications such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants to promote sleep.
- Anticipatory Awakening: This involves waking up an individual 15 minutes before the event usually occurs. They are asked to stay awake for a few minutes, and then sleep again.
Best Specialists for Sleep Terror Treatment in Bangalore
Dr. Girishchandra B G
Dr. Krutika Ainapur
Dr. Vinodh Sreeram
Ms. Asmita Bijlani
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Book an Appointment for Sleep Terror Treatment in Bangalore
If you are experiencing frequent sleep terrors, seeking professional support is essential. At Maarga Mind Care, you can schedule a consultation for sleep terror therapy in Bangalore. You will receive guidance from experienced psychologists and psychiatrists who specialise in sleep disorders. Our team may undertake detailed clinical evaluations and assess sleep history. They may identify underlying causes and offer evidence-based treatments. They may use advanced diagnostic tools when necessary.
To book an appointment, use the ‘book an appointment’ option and fill in your details. You may be able to choose between a teleconsultation and a hospital consultation, and seek help from a psychologist or a psychiatrist. You can also call the hospital directly to schedule an appointment.
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