More upsetting for parents than for the children that have them, night terrors or sleep terrors are a type of sleep disorder that causes a person to wake up in a terrified state.
What is a Night Terror?
A night terror is a state often described as being caught between being asleep and awake. Part of a class of sleep disorders called parasomnias, they tend to occur during the first third of the night (usually an hour or two into sleep). Most common in children ages 2 to 6, they are harmless to the child that has them but incredibly frightening for a parent that witnesses it.
Children who have night terrors are nearly impossible to wake up. Symptoms include screaming, being fearful, sweating, an increased heart rate, fast breathing and thrashing around. The child will also recoil from being touched. Although it’s hard to believe, these children aren’t dreaming, despite their vivid protests and agitated state. And although your child’s eyes are open, he’s not awake nor is he responding to you or his environment.
Very upsetting for parents, the child usually goes right back to sleep and will not remember what happened when they awake in the morning. Unfortunately, sleep experts can’t tell us if a child who experiences a night terror is under distress during the episode because they can’t remember it the next day.
How to Handle a Night Terror
Unlike that child who has a nightmare who can be easily calmed down, a child who has a nightmare is nearly impossible to wake up. In fact, it’s best to not even try to as the child may get more upset. Just stay by your child’s side and make sure they are safe while the night terror is happening. A flailing child can hurt himself so it's important to make sure they don't get injured.
Night terrors can’t be prevented, but if your child has them often, you can take some steps to make sure they are safe. Children who sleep in cribs won’t fall out, although be careful to watch that they don’t bang their head. If your child is in a bed, consider placing pillows on the floor and putting up a bedrail to prevent him from falling out. If your child’s room is near stairs, put up a gate. If you won't be home one evening, make sure to alert the child's caregiver.
If the night terrors persist call your pediatrician, you may need to consult an expert in child sleep disorders.
