Which condition is characterized by episodes of severe anxiety during sleep?

Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, are episodes that occur during non-REM sleep, specifically in the deeper stages of sleep. Individuals experiencing sleep terrors typically display signs of intense fear and anxiety, often accompanied by screaming or thrashing behavior. Unlike nightmares, which occur during REM sleep and are generally remembered upon waking, sleep terrors are difficult to recall and may leave the person feeling disoriented or confused upon awakening.

This condition is particularly common in children but can also occur in adults and is distinct from other sleep disorders due to the intense emotional response that occurs during the episode. In contrast, nightmares involve distressing dreams, insomnia refers to difficulty in falling or staying asleep, and narcolepsy is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, neither of which specifically involve episodes of severe anxiety during sleep.