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When children wake in the night with intense fear or panic, it could be night terrors. Here we explain what they are, how to deal with them, and when to seek help.
Night terrors in children are a sleep disorder that can be worrying for both children and parents. They usually occur in the early hours of the night and are characterised by intense fear or panic.
A child may scream, cry, gasp for air, and appear inconsolable, but is usually not fully awake and rarely remembers the event the following day.
Although night terrors can be frightening to witness, they are usually harmless and children usually outgrow them. Understanding what night terrors are and how to deal with them can help families navigate these challenging nights with greater calm and reassurance.
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Night terrors, or pavor nocturnus, often affect children. About 33 percent of children between the ages of one and two are affected while about 20 percent of those aged three to five have the problem. Only 1-2 percent of older children, teenagers and adults experience them.
Symptoms vary with age, from screaming to disorientation. It is possible for children to have memory fragments of the episode. A stable sleep routine and a safe sleeping environment are important. In cases where night terrors affect daily life, professional help may be needed to address underlying causes.
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Symptoms of night terrors can include:
Night terrors usually occur during the earlier phases of the sleep cycle, during non-REM sleep. To be considered night terrors, only some of the symptoms need to be met.
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As a parent, dealing with night terrors can be challenging, but here are some strategies that can help:
Understanding that night terrors are part of a child’s development and usually not a sign of a deeper problem can help you deal with the situation with more patience and empathy. If you feel it is a problem or are unsure, seek professional help.
Night terrors are a sleep disorder that can be worrying for both children and parents. It usually occurs in the early hours of the night and is characterised by intense fear or panic. The child may scream, cry, gasp for air, and appear inconsolable, but is usually not fully awake and rarely remembers the event the next day.
Night terrors are more common in younger children and tend to diminish as children get older.
Although night terrors can be frightening to witness, they are usually harmless and children usually outgrow them.
Symptoms of night terrors include sudden awakening with panic, screaming, increased heart rate, sweating, disorientation, resistance to comfort, and even physical activity such as sitting up or running around. These episodes, lasting a few seconds to 10 minutes, occur once a night during non-REM sleep, and the child rarely remembers the event the next day.
In the case of night terrors, it is important for parents to remain calm, ensure their child’s safety without waking them, and maintain a regular sleep routine. Consultation with a doctor or child psychologist can also be helpful to rule out underlying causes and get further advice.
If a child is screaming hysterically at night, start by ensuring the child’s safety and try to calm them down with a quiet voice and safe proximity without waking them up. If the episodes are recurring, it may be advisable to seek advice from a professional to rule out medical causes or get support to manage the situation.
A child psychologist is a licensed professional with knowledge and experience in promoting the well-being and mental health of children and parents.
Child psychologists offer therapy and counselling, but also work with families to support the whole family when necessary. They also work with schools to help create good conditions for the child.
Lavendla offers online counselling sessions via video conference. Feel free to book an introductory session through our website.
If you are experiencing anxiety, and have consulted a professional to rule out medical causes, it may be helpful to undergo self-therapy to manage your anxiety.
Night terrors are common in young children but usually resolve over time. Only 1-2% of adults have night terrors.
You can turn to different organisations, such as Family Lives which provides to support to families. Lavendla also has experienced child psychologists who are ready to help.
Seeking help from a child psychologist is an important step when a child is experiencing mental health difficulties or if you are having difficulties as a parent. Here is a brief overview of what treatment can look like:
First step: Initial consultation where the psychologist assesses needs through conversations with the child and parents.
Treatment plan: An individualised plan is developed, based on your specific situation and needs.
Types of therapy: Common methods are talk therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Other methods such as family therapy can also be helpful. Parental counselling, that provides guidance and support is also common.
Monitoring and adjustment: The treatment plan is continuously evaluated and adjusted as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
It is important to remember that each child is unique so treatment may vary. Working with a child psychologist can give you and your child the tools necesssary for managing emotions and behaviours in a healthy way. At Lavendla, we have experienced child psychologists who can help make the difficult easier.