What is one of the primary concerns with someone experiencing a night terror?

The primary concern with someone experiencing a night terror is that they may act out their fears. Night terrors, which occur during deep non-REM sleep, often involve intense fear, agitation, and physical movements. During an episode, the individual may get out of bed, scream, or engage in unusual behaviors without being consciously aware of it. This can pose a risk to the person if they inadvertently injure themselves or harm someone else in their distress.

Unlike nightmares, which typically occur during REM sleep and are remembered upon waking, night terrors are generally not recalled by the individual. Therefore, the chance of reminding the event afterward is low, making the potential for acting out during an episode a much more pressing concern.