ICD-10 Code F51.4 – Sleep terrors [night terrors] (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F51.4 – Sleep terrors [night terrors]
What it is
F51.4 identifies sleep terrors, also called night terrors. These are abrupt episodes of intense fear during sleep, usually with incomplete awakening and little or no recall afterward.
Clinical signs
Episodes often include screaming, autonomic arousal, and a confused or hard-to-console state. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially when the record notes timing during sleep and poor recall.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents sleep terrors, night terrors, or a comparable diagnosis. It fits cases where the disturbance is a primary sleep problem and not better explained by another disorder. Check documentation if the note suggests seizures, parasomnias, or another cause.
Do not use for
Do not use F51.4 for nightmares with clear dream recall or for sleep-related events that are documented as seizures. If the chart does not clearly support sleep terrors, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code only when the provider documents the condition explicitly or describes classic night-terror features in enough detail.