Far more serious than simple bad dreams, night terrors is a condition that inflicts severe and long - lasting physical and psychological damage. The afflicted can be children or adults, and will exhibit such symptoms as violent kicking, striking out, and/or frenzied screaming during the sleep cycle. They may even leave their beds and exit the home without waking, and yet have no knowledge of this behaviour the next morning. Understandably, the impact upon sufferers' parents, siblings, and spouses can be devastating, leaving them fearful and exhausted and making relationships difficult. Unfortunately, there has been a tremendous amount of conflicting and often contradictory literature on this subject, and treatment options have been of only limited value.