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If a child wakes up at night with intense fear or panic, it could be night terrors. Here we explain what it is, how to deal with it and get more help if needed.
What is night terrors?
Night terrors in children 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 characterized 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.
Although night terrors can be frightening to witness, they are usually harmless. Understanding what night terrors are and how to deal with them can help families navigate through these challenging nights with greater calm and reassurance.
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Night terrors at different ages
Night terrors, or pavor nocturnus, often affect children. About 33 percent of children ages 12-24 months and 20 percent of three to five year olds experience night terrors. It is much less common for older children to experience night terrors, though it does happen.
Symptoms vary with age, from screaming and disorientation to possible memory fragments of the episode. A stable sleep routine and a safe sleeping environment are central to management. In cases where night terrors affect daily life, professional help may be needed to address underlying causes.
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What are the symptoms of night terrors?
Symptoms of night terrors can include:
- Sudden awakening with intense fear or panic
- Screaming and crying
- Increased heart rate and rapid breathing
- Sweating and redness of the face
- Sitting up or running around
- Disorientation and confusion on awakening
- Resistance to comforting attempts
- The episode comes at the beginning of the sleep cycle and lasts for 30 seconds to 10 minutes.
- The episode occurs only once per night
- Unawareness of surroundings and interactions during the episode
- No or limited memory of the episode the next day
Night terrors usually occur during the earlier phases of the sleep cycle during non-REM sleep.
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What can you do as a parent if your child has night terrors?
As a parent, dealing with night terrors can be challenging, but here are some strategies that can help:
- Remain calm: During an episode of night terrors, try to remain calm and comforting, even if your child seems inconsolable or does not recognize you. Be present with your child.
- Ensure the child’s safety: Make sure the child’s sleeping environment is safe to prevent injuries. This may mean removing sharp objects or securing windows and doors.
- Avoid waking the child: Do not try to wake your child during an episode, as this can be difficult to do and can increase their confusion and anxiety.
- Create a calming routine: Make sure your child has a relaxed routine before bedtime to reduce stress and promote a calm transition to sleep. Take your child to the toilet before bedtime.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Make sure your child goes to bed and wakes up at the same time every day, even on weekends, to promote regular sleep.
- Minimize stress: Try to minimize stress in your child’s life, as stress can contribute to night terrors.
- Observe patterns: If the night terrors occur at roughly the same time each night, try gently waking your child 15-30 minutes before the expected time to break the pattern.
- Talk to a professional: If night terrors are frequent, highly disruptive or continue to occur as your child gets older, consider consulting a pediatrician or child psychologist for further guidance and support. Some epileptic seizures may look similar so seek professional help if necessary.
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 your child’s night terrors are greatly interfering with continuous sleep and lead to a decrease in functioning during the day, seek professional help.
12 common questions about night terrors in children
What are night terrors?
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 is characterized 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.
Are night terrors different at different ages?
Night terrors are more common in younger children and tend to diminish as children get older.
Are night terrors dangerous?
Although night terrors can be frightening to witness, they are usually harmless and children tend to outgrow them.
What are the symptoms of night terrors?
Symptoms of night terrors include sudden awakening with panic, screaming, increased heart rate, sweating, disorientation, resistance to comfort, and often physical activity such as sitting up or running around. These episodes last a few seconds to ten minutes and occur during non-REM sleep. The child rarely remembers the event the next day.
What can parents do if their child has night terrors?
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.
My child screams hysterically at night, what should I do?
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.
What is a child psychologist?
A child psychologist is a licensed professional with knowledge and experience in promoting the well-being and mental health of children and parents.
What does a child psychologist do?
Child psychologists offer therapy and counseling, but also provide support for parents and the whole family when needed. They also work with schools to create optimal conditions for the child.
Can I see a child psychologist online?
Yes, all of Lavendla’s therapists offer sessions exclusively online.
I am worried about my child’s night terrors, what should I do?
If you are experiencing anxiety about your child’s behaviors, it may be helpful to seek out individual therapy for yourself.
Do night terrors go away over time?
Night terrors are common in young children but usually resolve over time. Only 1-2% of adults have night terrors.
Where can I go if I or my child needs help from a child psychologist?
At Lavendla, we have experienced child psychologists who can help with all aspects of child development and parenting. You can also reach out to your insurance company to find out which therapists are in network.
How does treatment with a child therapist work?
Seeking help from a child therapist is an important step when a child is experiencing mental health problems 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 individualized plan is developed based on the child’s specific situation and needs.
Types of therapy: Common approaches include play therapy for younger children, in which play is used as a tool for expression and processing, and talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for older children, which focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Other methods such as family therapy can also be helpful.
Parental counseling: Parents receive guidance and support through meetings with the therapist to better help their child at home.
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, and therefore treatment may vary. Working with a child therapist can give you and your child the tools they need to manage their emotions and behaviors in a healthy way. At Lavendla, we have child therapists who can help make the hard things easier.
