A night terror is defined as partial walking during sleep with different behaviours like kicking, panic, sleepwalking, thrashing, screaming, or mumbling. These behaviours are harmless and each episode ends in deep sleep.
Some common characteristics of a night terror are:
- Episode may last up to 45 minutes.
- The child does not remember anything about the episode after waking up in the morning.
- The child is frightened but can’t be awakened or comforted.
- The child’s eyes are wide and open, but they do not realize that you are there standing in front of them.
How to help a child deal with a night terror?
- Make sure to protect your child against any kind of injury. During a night terror, the child might fall off the stairs, or break the window. Try to put your child gently to sleep.
- Try to prevent night terrors, because a night terror is triggered when a child is overtired. Make sure that the child goes back to sleep at his/her regular time, the child gets enough sleep, etc.
- Try to help your child return to normal sleep. Don’t try to awaken your child. Make soothing comments or try to hold your child close to you if that seems to help your child feel better. Do not shout at your child as it may cause the child to become more upset.
- Prepare babysitters for these episodes. Explain what a night terror is to the people who care for your child and what needs to be done during this episode.
When to call your child’s healthcare provider
Night terrors are not harmful, but they can lead to some other problems. Talk to your child’s healthcare if you notice any of the following:
- Your child has daytime fears.
- Terrors last for more than 30 minutes.
- Your child does something dangerous during an episode.
- The child has drooling, jerking, or stiffening.
- Your child has daytime terrors.
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