Night Terrors in Children

Sleep is essential for a child’s growth and development, but for some parents, bedtime can bring unexpected challenges—like night terrors. These episodes can be alarming to witness but understanding what they are and how to manage them can help parents handle them with confidence. 

 

What Are Night Terrors? 

Night terrors are sudden episodes of intense fear, screaming, and confusion that occur during sleep. Unlike nightmares, which happen during REM sleep and can be recalled upon waking, night terrors occur during deep non-REM sleep (usually within the first few hours after falling asleep). Because of this, children experiencing a night terror typically do not remember the episode in the morning. 

 

How Common Are Night Terrors? 

Night terrors are common in young children, affecting about 3-6% of kids, typically between the ages of 3 and 12 years. They tend to be more frequent in children with a family history of sleep disorders and often resolve on their own as the child grows. 

 

Signs and Symptoms of Night Terrors 

During a night terror episode, a child may: 

• Sit up suddenly in bed and appear panicked 

• Scream, cry, or shout 

• Breathe rapidly and have an increased heart rate 

• Sweat excessively 

• Appear confused or disoriented 

• Have their eyes open but seem unresponsive 

• Thrash or move around violently 

• Resist comfort or touch 

• Return to sleep without waking up fully and have no memory of the episode the next day 

 

What Causes Night Terrors? 

Night terrors occur due to an over-arousal of the central nervous system during sleep. Some common triggers include: 

• Overtiredness or sleep deprivation or Irregular sleep schedules 

• Fever or illness 

• Stress or anxiety 

• Sleeping in a new environment 

• Family history of sleep disorders 

• Certain medications or stimulants 

 

How to Manage Night Terrors in Children 

While night terrors can be distressing for parents, they are usually harmless and do not require medical treatment. Here is how you can help manage them: 

1. Stay Calm and Do Not Wake the Child

• • Although it may be tempting to wake your child, doing so can cause more confusion and prolong the episode. 

• • Instead, wait it out and ensure their safety until they settle back to sleep. 

2. Create a Safe Sleep Environment

• • Remove any sharp objects or hazards near the bed in case of thrashing. 

• • If your child sleeps in a bunk bed, consider moving them to a lower bed. 

3. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

• • Stick to a regular sleep schedule to prevent over tiredness. 

• • Create a calm, relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath. 

4. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

• • Encourage calming activities before bedtime. 

• • If your child is experiencing stress, talk to them during the day to address any worries. 

5. Keep a Sleep Diary

• • Track your child’s sleep habits and night terror occurrences to identify any triggers. 

6. Try Scheduled Awakenings

• • If night terrors happen at the same time each night, try waking your child 15-30 minutes before the expected episode. 

• • This can disrupt the sleep cycle and prevent terror from occurring. 

 

When to See a doctor 

In most cases, night terrors are not a cause for concern and will improve with time. However, you should consult a pediatrician if: 

• The episodes happen frequently or last longer than 30 minutes 

• Your child is excessively tired during the day 

• Night terrors continue beyond adolescence 

• There are signs of sleepwalking or other sleep disorders 

• Your child’s night terrors result in injury 

 

Night terrors can be unsettling, but they are usually a normal part of childhood development. Understanding the causes and implementing healthy sleep habits can help reduce their frequency. With time and patience, most children outgrow night terrors, allowing both kids and parents to enjoy more restful nights. 

 

Please book a telemedicine appointment if you have questions for a pediatrician when your child’s primary pediatrician’s office is closed.