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Night terrors typically occur during non-REM sleep, particularly during the deeper stages of non-REM sleep, such as stage 3. Non-REM sleep is characterized by a lack of vivid dreaming, making it a distinct phase compared to REM sleep, where most dreaming occurs. During night terrors, individuals may experience intense fear, screaming, and confusion while still being in a state of deep sleep, which can result in little or no memory of the episode. This phenomenon is most common in children, who often outgrow it as they develop.

In contrast, REM sleep is associated with vivid dreams and is not when night terrors occur. Other stages of non-REM sleep, like stage 1 and stage 2, are lighter phases of sleep, where arousals and awakening are more likely, making them less conducive for the intense experiences characteristic of night terrors. Thus, non-REM sleep is the most fitting context for understanding the occurrences of night terrors.