How to Handle Night Terrors: A Guide for Parents

Night terrors can be distressing for both children and parents. These episodes, which often involve intense screaming, thrashing, and panic, can leave parents feeling helpless. Unlike nightmares, night terrors typically occur during the early stages of sleep and are not remembered by the child. Understanding what night terrors are and how to handle them can help parents create a calm, supportive environment for their child.

What Are Night Terrors?

Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are episodes of intense fear, confusion, and panic that occur during non-REM (deep) sleep, typically within the first few hours of falling asleep. Unlike nightmares, which occur during REM sleep and are remembered, children usually have no recollection of night terrors the next morning. Night terrors are more common in young children and tend to become less frequent with age.

Signs of Night Terrors

Night terrors can be intense and may include several observable signs:

  • Crying or Screaming: Children may suddenly scream or cry out in fear without being fully awake.
  • Thrashing or Kicking: Physical movements, such as kicking, thrashing, or even attempting to get out of bed, are common.
  • Rapid Breathing and Sweating: Increased heart rate, sweating, and rapid breathing are signs of heightened arousal during a night terror.
  • Inconsolability: Children experiencing a night terror may not respond to comfort and often appear unaware of their surroundings.

How to Handle Night Terrors: Tips for Parents

  1. Stay Calm and Observant
    • Night terrors can be frightening, but it’s essential for parents to remain calm. Avoid trying to wake your child, as this can cause confusion and extend the episode. Simply observe and ensure their safety until the night terror passes.
  2. Keep Your Child Safe
    • Make sure your child’s sleeping area is safe. Remove any objects near the bed that could cause injury if your child thrashes or attempts to get up during a night terror. In cases where children frequently get out of bed, consider using a bed rail for added safety.
  3. Avoid Trying to Wake Them
    • Waking a child during a night terror can often worsen the confusion and prolong the episode. Instead, wait patiently until they settle back into sleep naturally. Most night terrors only last a few minutes, although they can feel longer to parents.
  4. Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine
    • Night terrors are often linked to stress, overtiredness, or irregular sleep schedules. Establishing a calming bedtime routine, such as reading a book or listening to soft music, can promote relaxation and help prevent sleep disruptions.
  5. Encourage Sufficient Sleep
    • Being overtired is a common trigger for night terrors. Ensure your child is getting enough sleep by setting an age-appropriate bedtime and allowing time for naps if needed. A regular sleep schedule can help reduce the frequency of night terrors.
  6. Consider Scheduled Awakenings
    • If night terrors occur at a predictable time each night, try gently waking your child about 15-30 minutes before the typical episode. This technique, known as scheduled awakening, can help reset their sleep cycle and may prevent night terrors from occurring.
  7. Minimize Stress and Stimulation Before Bed
    • High-energy activities, screen time, or exposure to stimulating content close to bedtime can increase stress and make night terrors more likely. Encourage quiet, calming activities leading up to bedtime to support relaxation.

When to Seek Professional Help

While night terrors are generally harmless and often resolve on their own, consult a healthcare provider if:

  • Episodes Are Frequent and Prolonged: If night terrors are happening regularly and last more than a few minutes, it may be helpful to explore underlying factors with a sleep specialist.
  • Daytime Sleepiness or Behavioral Changes Occur: Persistent night terrors that disrupt sleep can lead to fatigue, mood changes, or behavioral issues during the day.
  • Night Terrors Continue Beyond Childhood: While night terrors typically decrease with age, frequent episodes in older children or adolescents may warrant further evaluation.

FAQ: Common Questions About Night Terrors

  • Are night terrors the same as nightmares?
    • No, night terrors and nightmares are different. Night terrors occur in non-REM sleep and aren’t remembered, while nightmares happen in REM sleep and are often recalled.
  • Do night terrors mean my child is stressed?
    • Night terrors don’t necessarily indicate stress, but stress and overtiredness can be triggers. Ensuring a stable, calming bedtime routine can help reduce episodes.
  • Will my child outgrow night terrors?
    • Yes, night terrors are common in young children and usually decrease in frequency as they get older.

Summary

Night terrors are unsettling, but they are generally harmless and often resolve on their own. By staying calm, ensuring a safe environment, and establishing a consistent bedtime routine, parents can help minimize the occurrence of night terrors and support restful sleep for their child. If night terrors persist or cause daytime issues, consulting a healthcare provider can provide additional guidance. With patience and a calm approach, night terrors can become less distressing for both children and parents.

Stone Evans is the founder of SleepCoaching.com which has become one of the most popular destinations online for people seeking better sleep. Stone started developing this website after realizing his own sleep struggles and then beginning an intensive period of study (which included professional sleep coach training) and ongoing lifestyle changes to improve and optimize his sleep.

Now through in-depth articles from sleep experts around the world, the internet's leading and most comprehensive sleep coaching directory, quantitative sleep product reviews and Stone's personal daily sleep tracking journey, visitors to our website regularly report gaining information and insights that are helping them achieve better health, better sleep and a better quality of life.