Introduction:
Night terror in children can upset parents and caregivers. Night terrors, known as sleep terrors, appear in six children among 100. Night terrors occur equally among boys, girls, and children of all ages. This article briefly explains about night terror in children.
What Are Night Terrors in Children?
Night terrors in children are episodes of intense fear, screaming, crying, thrashing, or throwing themselves off the bed during sleep that repeat often. Children do not accept soothing during night terror episodes and will not remember anything while waking. Some children will exhibit extreme behavior and become terrified during night terror episodes. The child is technically asleep during night terror. It occurs in children between three to 12 years. Night terrors tend to run in families.
Are Night Terrors the Same as Nightmares?
Night terrors differ from nightmares and do not last for long. Night terrors manifest during non-REM (non-rapid eye movement), while nightmares manifest during REM (rapid eye movement), dream, or sleep. Night terror occurs in the first few hours after bedtime, but nightmares can occur throughout the night.
Children experiencing nightmares will accept soothing on waking and can even ask questions about bad dreams. The child will remember nightmares the following morning and can speak about them. Waking a child during an episode of night terror is extremely hard, and the child may not remember anything the next morning.
What Causes Night Terrors in Children?
Most children have no specific cause for developing night terror. Possible causes of night terror in children are elevated body temperature, illness, caffeine, stress, lack of sleep, full bladder, emotional and physical stress, and sleep disorders. Other causes include depression, anxiety, sleeping in different places or away from home, taking medications that affect the central nervous system, or recently receiving anesthesia for surgery. The terrors manifest during deep sleep, called non-REM, three to hours after sleeping. It is a state of sleep in children between wakefulness and sleep.
Toddlers can develop night terrors due to central nervous system immaturity. However, toddlers might outgrow these episodes when their nervous system matures.
What Are Signs of Night Terror in Children?
Some of the symptoms are:
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The child may sit up in bed or get out of bed.
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The child can scream, cry, or yell.
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The child may kick, punch, or thrash.
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Children experiencing night terror will have elevated heart rates.
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They will have rapid breathing.
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Sweating.
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Dilated pupils.
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Children may open their eyes but are unresponsive to soothing and appear confused.
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The child can appear terrified and not talk.
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The child calms down and falls asleep after a while without parents help.
Most night terror episodes are for a few minutes, but some children take 30 minutes to relax and get back to sleep.
How Are Night Terrors Diagnosed in Children?
Medical history and physical examination help with diagnosis. If other health conditions are suspected, an EEG (electroencephalogram) to check sleep disorder or a sleep study to check breathing disorder is advised.
What to Do for Night Terrors in Children?
The following steps can be taken for night terror in children:
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Ensure Safety: The room environment of a toddler with night terror must be free of dangerous objects, furniture attached to walls, and blind cords must be removed. Placing a gate to the stairs can prevent the child from getting injured.
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Patience: When the child is experiencing night terror, avoid waking them as it can cause further confusion and distress to the child.
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Remain Close to the Child: Although the child does not want soothing, remain close and ensure their safety. Most night terror resolve on their own but can last for 45 minutes.
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Bathroom Break: If the child is potty trained, emptying their bladder can provide them with immediate relief from night terror.
What Are Natural Remedies for Night Terror in Children?
Using melatonin for night terror in children can improve their sleep but worsen night terrors. A doctor's suggestion is necessary before giving melatonin to children. Some also recommended essential oils like Juniper for calming night terror in children. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the efficacy of essential oils in children, and some of them could be harmful.
When Should Doctors Be Consulted for Night Terrors in Children?
Night terrors are not dangerous, but they can disturb the child’s sleep. It belongs to a group of sleep disorders called parasomnias that include sleep-walking, sleep-talking, and waking up in a confused state. Parasomnias tend to develop in half of children.
If the child has frequent or longer than 30 minutes of night terror with increasing frequency along with concerning behavior during the day and night, then seeking a doctor’s help becomes necessary. The doctor helps determine the behavioral, lifestyle, and environmental triggers for night terrors. If sleep disorders are not present in the child, a sleep consultant helps to improve sleep hygiene, habits, and quality of sleep in the child. Some children notice an improvement in night terror when their sleeping duration is increased over 24 hours.
How Is Night Terror in Children Prevented?
Night terrors are prevented in children by identifying the underlying cause, such as lack of sleep, emotional or physical stress, or raised body temperature. The child’s room temperature must be cool and ideal, with a temperature of 20 to 21 degrees Celsius. The child must wear at least two layers of cotton material for sleeping.
Children’s sleep schedules must be appropriately maintained. Children between three to five years must get 11 to 13 hours of sleep. The sleep schedule must include daytime and nighttime sleep. The nighttime bed routine must be consistent and calming, with relaxing activities at night that include teeth bruising, stories, songs, cuddles, and loving words. Before bed, the child must empty their bladder if they are potty trained. The child must not be offered chocolate, caffeine, or screen time before bed.
If the child has frequent night terrors, the timing is noted. The child is roused but not fully awakened 20 to 30 minutes before developing night terrors.
Conclusion:
Night terrors are common in children. However, there is no specific treatment for the condition, and the incidence reduces as the child ages. Rarely, if the child’s daily routine is affected, the doctors suggest low-dose benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants. Appropriate care at home or preventive measures can help the child overcome the condition.
