Addressing Night Terrors in Children

Night terrors can be an incredibly scary experience for both child and parents alike. Children will wake up in a state of agitation, crying, and screaming. Because of this, it is important to know how to address and cope with night terrors in children.

While night terrors may be alarming, the good news is that night terrors rarely pose any real physical threat to the child. Night terrors can be characterized by fear, agitation, and difficulty calming down and returning to sleep.

Night terrors are especially difficult because children can rarely remember them the next morning, making adjusting and addressing them difficult. Despite this, by employing a few strategies, parents can help their child cope with night terrors.

Reducing Stressors

To address night terrors in children, one of the most important things parents can do is to reduce stressors in their child’s environment. By keeping a regular sleep schedule, reducing exposure to screens after bedtime, and making sure the bedroom is comfortable, parents can help to reduce stressors.

Additionally, it can be helpful to consider if there are any underlying causes of the night terrors, such as any big changes in the child’s environment or a reaction to something new they experienced during the day.

Creating a Calming Environment

In addition to reducing stressors, parents should also make sure to create a safe and calming environment in the room where the child sleeps. A dark and quiet room, in combination with a soothing routine and light music before bedtime can help calm the child.

Additionally, connecting with your child and spending time with them during the day and before bedtime can also contribute to reducing any anxieties or stresses your child may be feeling.

It can also be helpful to keep a diary of night terrors so parents can analyze and identify any triggers that may be causing night terrors to occur.

Intervening During Night Terrors

When intervening during night terrors, the best way to approach is with a calming and reassuring presence. Hold your child and speak softly without making too much contact. This will provide a sense of reassurance and security.

Do not attempt to wake the child up during the episode, as this may cause the child to become more agitated and scared. Similarly, do not shake or shout, as this will likely make the situation worse.

Ongoing Strategies

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Reduce exposure to screens before bedtime
• Create a comfortable and calming bedroom environment
• Consider underlying causes or triggers of night terrors
• Spend time with child and connect before bedtime
• Keep a diary of night terror episodes
• Intervene with a soft and reassuring presence
• Do not attempt to wake the child up or shake/shout

Conclusion

Night terrors can be an incredibly disruptive and frightening experience for parents and children alike. By using the strategies listed and reducing potential sources of stressors in the child’s environment, parents can take steps towards addressing and coping with night terrors in children.