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If a child experiences sudden panic or fear during sleep, they may have night terrors. Here is how to manage such episodes and seek further help if necessary.
What is night terrors?
Night terrors are a sleep disorder that usually occurs early into the night and are characterized by intense fear or panic.
During a night terror, a 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, they are usually harmless, and children typically outgrow them. Understanding what night terrors are and how to deal with them can help parents navigate these challenging nights with calm and confidence.
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Night terrors at different ages
Night terrors, or pavor nocturnus, often affect children. About 33% of children between the ages of one and two are affected, while about 20% of children aged three to five suffer. Although older children, teenagers and adults can experience night terrors, the prevalence is only 1-2%.
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 begins at the beginning of the sleep cycle and lasts for 30 seconds to 10 minutes
- Episodes occur only once a night
- Being unaware 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. Not all the symptoms need to be met for an episode to be considered a night terror.
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What can you do 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 night terrors, try to remain calm and comforting, even if your child seems inconsolable or does not recognize you. Be present around the child.
- Ensure the child’s safety: To prevent injuries, ensure the child’s sleeping environment is safe. 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 increase their confusion and anxiety.
- Create a calming routine: Before bedtime, ensure your child has a relaxed routine to reduce stress and promote a calm transition to sleep. Take your child to the toilet before bedtime.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule: To promote regular sleep, ensure your child goes to bed and wakes up at the same time each day.
- Minimize stress: Try to minimize stress, as this 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 paediatrician or child psychologist for further guidance and support. Some epileptic seizures may look similar, so seek professional help if necessary.
Remember that night terrors are part of a child’s development and usually not a sign of an underlying issue. Knowing this can help you deal more patiently and empathically with the situation. If you feel it is a problem or are unsure, seek professional help.
12 FAQs about Night Terrors in Children
What is night terrors?
Night terrors in children are a sleep disorder that can be worrying for parents. It usually occurs early at 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, they are usually harmless, and children typically 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, 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.
What can parents do if their child has night terrors?
Parents must remain calm during night terrors, ensure their children’s safety without waking them, and maintain a regular sleep routine. Consultating 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 your child is screaming hysterically at night, start by ensuring their 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 trained professional who works with children and their parents’ well-being and mental health.
What does a child psychologist do?
Child psychologists offer therapy and counselling but work with families to provide parental support and support to the whole family when needed. They also work with schools to create a conducive environment for the child.
Can I see a child psychologist online?
All our child psychologists work digitally at Lavendla.
I am worried about my child’s night terrors. What should I do?
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 stress.
Do night terrors go away over time?
Night terrors are common in young children and 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 also help.
How does treatment with a child psychologist work?
Seeking medical help 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:
Initial consultation: The first step is an initial consultation, during which the psychologist or other qualified health professional assesses a child and their parent’s needs by talking to them.
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, where play is used as a tool for expression and processing, and talk therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for older children, which focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Other methods, such as family therapy, can also be helpful.
Parental counselling: Parents receive guidance and support to help their child at home better.
Monitoring and adjustment: The treatment plan is continuously evaluated to ensure the best possible outcome.
It is important to remember that each child is unique, and treatment may vary. Working with a child psychologist can give you and your child the tools to manage their emotions and behaviours healthily. At Lavendla, we have child psychologists who can help make the hard stuff easier.
