Night Terror Treatment Options – Help for Parents

Night terrors are a sleep disorder that can be triggered by a variety of factors. Night terrors are usually episodes of extreme panic, shaking and screaming while falling into a deep sleep. Although medical professionals disagree on the various reasons behind night terrors, most believe that they are triggered by overexcitation in the central nervous system (CNS) while you sleep. They have been more frequent among young children compared to adults, with many attacks occurring in the first third of the night, usually between midnight and 2:00 a.m. Although most young people outgrow them at some point, Night terrors are always frightening attacks that interrupt normal family life.

night terror episodes

Often referred to as “sleep terrors” and also night terrors, night terrors are a form of what sleep specialists call a parasomnia disorder. They may be characterized by severe panic along with a short-term inability to regain full consciousness. Although this sounds intimidating, these kinds of sleep problems can also be caused by things as mundane as anxiety, constipation, or other abnormal bowel movements. Most of these sleep difficulties can occur every night if the sufferer does not eat a healthy diet, does not get enough rest, experiences stressful life events, or continues without treatment. These episodes in adults tend to be much less frequent. They are usually based on a traumatic stress event rather than genetic, persistent, and often respond well to therapy, such as psychotherapy or prescription antidepressants.

Tips for parents

If your child has been acting strangely after waking up, or maybe he just seems to be awake but isn’t, he may have a true night terror. If this is the case, there is an action you can take. Make sure there are no sharp objects in your child’s room. Talk to your child in a calming tone of voice. Keep calm. Assure them that they are okay and that they are in their own house and in their own bed, and that it is okay to go back to sleep. Keep an eye out for items in the room that could hurt your child if he squirms in his bed (this would be rare, but it has happened). Although you may be tempted to stop your child’s night terror by waking him up, resist the temptation. It may be best to let him continue to wake up on his own.

Night Terror Treatment Options

It is not always necessary to treat night terrors. Children who experience them usually outgrow them in due time. However, for those parents who feel their child’s situation is serious enough to warrant medical attention, there are options available. Treatment options can include psychotherapy, hypnosis, various prescription medications, and of course, finding out the actual trigger behind a child’s episodes. Consult your family doctor for more detailed advice and specific treatment options.

Although they can be frightening to watch, night terrors themselves are harmless events that almost always result in sound sleep. Still, they are very distressing and can make children afraid to go to sleep. They can also be just as distressing for parents. However, sometimes medical help is needed, and finding the right combination of therapy and medication can help the child, as well as her parent, enjoy a much more restful night’s sleep. Rest assured, medical help is available for ongoing night terrors.