Understanding Night Terrors in Children
Night terrors are a common sleep disorder that affects small children. It can be a frightening experience for a child and their parents when they wake up in a state of fear. Night terrors can cause confusion, distress, and anxiety in both the child and their family. It is important to understand what night terrors are, the symptoms, and how you can help your child deal with them.
Night terrors are episodes of intense fear and panic during sleep. They usually occur thirty minutes to an hour after a child has fallen asleep and during the early stages of non-REM sleep. Studies show that night terror episodes can last anywhere from a few seconds to twenty minutes. Children usually do not remember the episode the next day, and they usually have little or no memory of the event.
Night terrors are more common in toddlers and preschool-aged children. The cause of night terrors is still unknown, but it is believed that physical and emotional stress can play a role in triggering episodes. A lack of sleep and exhaustion can also factor into why a child may experience night terrors.
Symptoms of Night Terrors
Common night terror symptoms include intense fear, screaming, thrashing around, confusion, sweating, and rapid heart rate. Other signs of a night terror episode can include wide eyes, difficulty talking or responding during the episode, and difficulty breathing. Most children experiencing night terrors do not wake up during the episode, and they may seem dazed or disoriented when they wake up.
It is important to note that night terrors differ from nightmares. During a nightmare, a child may wake up and be able to recall the dream and be aware that they were sleeping. During a night terror, a child may wake up but will be disoriented and confused and unable to remember the details of the episode.
How to Help Your Child Deal with Night Terrors
As a parent, it can be hard to watch your child experience a night terror. There are a few steps you can take to help your child soothe their fear and lessen the frequency of night terrors:
- Stay calm and do not try to comfort your child during the episode. Speak in a soothing, reassuring voice and let your child know that you are close.
- Keep your child’s bedroom environment calm and consistent. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid loud noises that may disrupt your child’s sleep.
- Encourage your child to open up and talk about their fears and anxieties. Knowing the triggers of their night terrors can help you understand them and plan how best to respond.
- Quietly reassure your child when they wake up. Let them know that you are close and that they are safe.
- If your child’s night terrors become too frequent or intense, it may be time to speak with a doctor. They can suggest lifestyle changes or therapy that can help your child cope.
Conclusion
Night terrors can be a very frightening experience for both children and parents. However, understanding the symptoms and triggers of night terrors, as well as following some simple steps for helping your child cope, can make a huge difference in managing the episodes. It is also important to remember to seek professional help if the night terrors become too frequent or intense.