Understanding and Managing Night Terrors in Children

Night terrors in children can be frightening and unpredictable, leaving both children and their caregivers completely confused. Night terrors are not dream-based, but a form of sleep disorder that causes extreme fear, and can even cause physical symptoms like sweating and a racing heart. While night terrors in children can be managed and resolved completely, understanding what causes them is the first step to helping make a child feel secure and safe.

It’s important to know that night terrors are not directly caused by stress, though that can be a factor. In most cases, night terrors in children are out of their control, and can be caused by genetics, lack of sleep, a fever, or an underlying condition. Night terrors can also be triggered by changes in children’s environment or lifestyle, such as taking long naps or changing sleep patterns.

It is possible for children to outgrow night terrors. To help prevent night terrors in your child, you should establish a regular sleep routine, for example going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. It is also important to create a secure and comfortable sleeping environment, free from any disruption.

Seeking Professional Medical Help

If your child is regularly having night terrors it is important to seek medical advice from your doctor or a paediatrician. They may be able to formally diagnose and help manage any underlying conditions that are contributing to night terrors in your child.

They may also be able to give an official diagnosis of night terrors and recommend a course of treatment to reduce their intensity or frequency. This could include lifestyle adjustments such as improving bedtime habits or making sure your child gets enough sleep, counselling, or in some cases, medications to help regulate your child’s emotional state.

Minimizing the Impact of Night Terrors

It is important to remain calm when your child is having a night terror so as to not add any additional disruption. Try to keep the lights off and avoid touching or talking to the child during this time as this could increase their fear. Once the night terror begins to recede, you should hold or hug your child and comfort them by talking in a calm and soothing voice.

Try to make sure the sleep environment is cool and dark and avoid anything that could trigger fear, including over-stimulating activities just before bed such as watching television or playing video games. Instead, engage in calming activities like reading a story together or playing a quiet game to help your child relax and feel safe.

It can also be helpful to create a ‘fear breaker’ ritual before bed, for example, singing a calming song or reciting a relaxing poem. This could be helpful in stopping any fear before it starts and can help to minimise the effects of a night terror.

Things to Avoid During Night Terrors

• Do not shake or yell at a child during a night terror.
• Do not try to wake a child during a night terror.
• Do not try to physically restrain a child during a night terror.
• Do not punish a child for having night terrors.

Conclusion

Night terrors in children can be frightening and confusing for parents, but understanding the cause and implementing strategies to help manage them can help ensure your child is feeling safe and secure. While night terrors will eventually pass by themselves, if symptoms persist, seek medical advice from your doctor to ensure your child is properly diagnosed and treated.