Four-year old DeMarcus falls asleep shortly after his 8:30 p.m. bedtime. About 9:45, he suddenly sits up in bed, breathing rapidly and appearing to be in a state of sheer panic. DeMarcus is experiencing ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DeMarcus is likely experiencing night terrors, which are characterized by sudden waking accompanied by intense fear and physical symptoms such as rapid breathing or heart rate, sweating, and shaking. Night terrors typically occur during non-REM sleep, which is when the body is in a deeper state of sleep and difficult to wake up from. Nightmares, on the other hand, occur during REM sleep and are usually remembered by the individual upon waking up. Narcoleptics attacks involve sudden sleep onset during the day, while sleep apnea involves temporary cessation of breathing during sleep.

Four-Year Old DeMarcus Falls Asleep Shortly After His 8:30 P