I have night terrors from time to time, not associated with abuse, but because of my PTSD due to the disabling injury. I don't recall most of them, their themes, sometimes I only knew of one because my T told me I called him. That's generally what they are, unremembered episodes of sheer terror during sleep.

I've learned to spot the evidence of one now though, the trashed bed and such, the unbelievable fatigue and muscle spasming upon waking, or being drenched and shivering...

I admit there have been a few that I have recalled glimpses of... NOT anything I want in my life either.

I don't think the experts really have any one reason for night terrors. They are still working on the brain TC!