What does it mean if you scream in your sleep everynight?

Night terrors

Night terrors are more common in children, but they can also affect adults. They are characterized by sudden, intense fear and panic that wakes you up from sleep. During a night terror, you may scream, cry, or thrash around. You may also experience sweating, heart racing, and shortness of breath. Night terrors usually last for a few minutes, but they can sometimes be longer. After a night terror, you may be confused or disoriented and have difficulty falling back asleep.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. This can cause loud snoring, gasping, or choking sounds. Sleep apnea can also lead to daytime sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

REM sleep behavior disorder

REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a condition that causes you to act out your dreams while you are asleep. This can include screaming, talking, flailing your arms, and even getting out of bed and walking around. RBD is more common in men and people over the age of 50.

Panic attack

Panic attacks are sudden, overwhelming episodes of fear that can occur during sleep. They are often accompanied by sweating, heart racing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom. Panic attacks can be very frightening, but they usually only last for a few minutes.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person has experienced a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and difficulty sleeping.

If you are screaming in your sleep every night, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and establishing a regular sleep routine. They may also prescribe medication to help you sleep.