Night terrors can be a scary experience for both children and parents. These episodes of intense fear and confusion during sleep can leave parents feeling helpless and unsure of how to comfort their kids. While night terrors are most common in children between ages three and 10, they can be distressing for the entire family.
Understanding and handling night terrors can make a big difference in managing these episodes. This guide provides parents with practical tips and strategies for helping their children through night terrors.
What Are Night Terrors?
Night terrors are different from nightmares. During a night terror, a child may suddenly sit up in bed, scream, cry, or thrash around. Although they might seem awake, they're actually still asleep and usually won't remember the episode in the morning. These episodes typically last about 10 to 20 minutes and often occur in the first few hours after falling asleep.
Causes of Night Terrors
Several factors can trigger night terrors in children, including lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns, stress or anxiety, fever, certain medications, changes in the sleep environment, and genetics.
How to Help Your Kids During a Night of Terror
When your child is having a night terror, it's essential to stay calm and follow certain recommendations. The first is to avoid trying to wake your child, as this can make them more confused and upset.
Ensure their safety by gently guiding them away from potential hazards. Speak softly and reassuringly to help them settle back to sleep. The next step is to wait it out, as most episodes pass within 15 minutes.
Preventing Night Terrors
While you can't always prevent night terrors, specific strategies may help reduce their frequency. One is to stick to a regular bedtime routine with calming activities like reading a story.
Another is to make sure your child gets enough sleep and doesn't become overtired. Reducing stress in your child's life and talking through any worries they may have is also helpful. If night terrors happen at the same time each night, try gently waking your child about 15-30 minutes before the usual episode time.
When to Seek Help
Most children outgrow night terrors as they get older. However, you should contact your doctor if:
Night terrors occur frequently or disrupt sleep regularly. Your child is at risk of injury during episodes. The episodes are causing significant stress for your family.
Remember, night terrors can be challenging, but with patience and the right approach, you can help your child through them. By creating a safe, calm sleep environment and addressing potential triggers, you can work towards more peaceful nights for your whole family.
