Understanding Sleep Terrors in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Help

As a parent, few things are more distressing than witnessing your child experience a sleep terror. Unlike nightmares, which children may eventually wake up from and remember, sleep terrors occur during deep sleep and often leave children disoriented and unable to recall the episode. Though alarming, sleep terrors are not uncommon and usually diminish over time. At Comprehensive Sleep Care Center, we aim to provide parents with the knowledge and tools to understand these episodes and help their children sleep soundly.

What Are Sleep Terrors?

Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, are a type of parasomnia, a group of sleep disorders involving abnormal movements, behaviors, or perceptions. These episodes typically occur in the first third of the night during the non-REM (rapid eye movement) stage of deep sleep. Children experiencing a sleep terror may suddenly sit up, scream, thrash around, or exhibit signs of intense fear while still asleep. Unlike nightmares, children are usually unresponsive during a sleep terror and have no memory of the event the next morning.

Symptoms of Sleep Terrors

A sleep terror episode can be frightening to witness, but understanding the signs can help you better cope and respond appropriately. Common symptoms include:

Sudden screaming or shouting
Thrashing, kicking, or other violent movements
Sweating, rapid heart rate, or heavy breathing
Wide-open eyes with a glassy stare
Inability to be comforted or awakened
Confusion or disorientation if they wake up

Causes of Sleep Terrors

Several factors may contribute to sleep terrors, including:

Immature Sleep Patterns: Young children, especially those between the ages of 3 and 7, are more likely to experience sleep terrors due to their developing nervous systems.
Sleep Deprivation: Overtiredness or irregular sleep schedules can disrupt a child’s sleep cycles, increasing the likelihood of sleep terrors.
Stress or Anxiety: Emotional stress, such as starting a new school, moving to a new home, or family changes, can trigger sleep disturbances, including sleep terrors.
Fever or Illness: High fevers or other illnesses can disrupt normal sleep patterns, making sleep terrors more likely to occur.
Genetics: Sleep terrors tend to run in families. If you or a close relative experienced sleep terrors or other parasomnias, your child may be more prone to them.

How to Help Your Child

While sleep terrors can be unsettling, they are usually not harmful. Here are some steps you can take to help your child during and after an episode:

Stay Calm: It’s important for you to remain calm, even though the episode may seem intense. Children are generally unaware of their surroundings during a sleep terror and won’t be able to respond to comforting efforts.
Don’t Try to Wake Them: Attempting to wake your child during a sleep terror can be difficult and may lead to more confusion or distress. Instead, focus on ensuring their safety by gently guiding them back to bed or keeping them from injury if they are thrashing.
Create a Safe Sleep Environment: Make sure your child’s sleeping area is safe. Remove any objects they might hit or trip over during a sleep terror, and consider adding a gate to prevent them from wandering.
Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine: A regular bedtime routine can help reduce the occurrence of sleep terrors. Ensure your child gets plenty of rest and try to maintain a calm, predictable schedule in the evenings.
Address Stress and Anxiety: If stress or anxiety seems to be contributing to sleep terrors, talk to your child about their worries or consider relaxation techniques, such as reading, soothing music, or deep breathing exercises before bedtime.
Consult a Sleep Specialist: If your child’s sleep terrors are frequent, severe, or impacting their quality of life, it may be helpful to consult with a sleep specialist. At Comprehensive Sleep Care Center, our team of experts can evaluate your child’s sleep patterns and recommend treatments or interventions tailored to their needs.

When to Seek Help

Most children outgrow sleep terrors as their sleep patterns mature, but there are times when professional intervention is necessary. If your child’s sleep terrors are frequent, last longer than 30 minutes, or result in dangerous behavior, it’s important to consult a doctor or sleep specialist. Additionally, if sleep terrors are causing significant daytime sleepiness or behavioral issues, seeking professional help can ensure your child gets the rest they need.

Sleep terrors in children, while distressing, are usually a temporary phase. With proper understanding and supportive strategies, parents can help their children navigate these episodes and foster healthier sleep habits. At Comprehensive Sleep Care Center, we’re here to provide guidance and care for your child’s sleep health. If you have concerns about your child’s sleep, don’t hesitate to reach out to our specialists for further evaluation and support.

Contact Us Today! At Comprehensive Sleep Care Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating pediatric sleep disorders. Schedule an appointment to learn more about how we can help your child achieve restful, restorative sleep.

What are Night Terrors?

Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are episodes of intense fear or terror that occur during sleep. They usually occur within few hours after bedtime. Unlike nightmares, after a night terror a child is not able to remember the dream when he or she awakens in the morning.

Night terrors are more common in children aged 3 to 8 years but can occur at any age. Sometimes, recurring sleep terrors are a symptom of other sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. They affect 2% to 7%of children and usually peak between ages 4 and 7. Most children outgrow them before their teens.

Causes:

The exact causes of night terrors are not fully understood, but several factors can contribute to their occurrence including:

Overstimulation: Overtiredness, exhaustion, or disrupted sleep patterns can trigger night terrors.

Genetics: A family history of night terrors or other sleep disorders may increase the likelihood of a child experiencing them.

Stress or Anxiety: Emotional stress, anxiety, or significant life changes can contribute to night terrors in some children.

Fever or Illness: High fevers or certain illnesses may be associated with an increased risk of night terrors.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) –untreated OSA increases the amount of arousals children have overnight and can increase the risk of night terrors occurring, This should particularly be considered if they are having multiple night terrors a week or in the same night as that would be an abnormal frequency for night terrors alone.

Symptoms:

Recognizing the signs of night terrors can help you differentiate them from other sleep disturbances. Common symptoms include:

Sudden awakening from sleep with a look of intense fear

Loud screaming or crying that is difficult to console

Rapid breathing and increased heart rate

Sweating and physical agitation

Difficulty recognizing or interacting with others during the episode

Limited or no memory of the even upon awakening

Managing Your Child’s Night Terrors:

While they can be distressing, there are several steps you can employ to help your child through a night terror

Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Establish a regular sleep routine to ensure your child gets enough restful sleep each night. Consistency can help prevent overstimulation and reduce the occurrence of night terrors.

Create a Soothing Bedtime Routine: Implement calming activities before bedtime, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath. This can help your child relax and transition into sleep more easily.

Create a Safe Sleep Environment: Make sure your child’s bedroom is safe and free from any potential hazards. Use a night light if your child feels more comfortable with some light in the room.

Minimize Stress and Anxiety: Encourage open communication with your child and provide reassurance and support during the day. If your child is experiencing stress or anxiety, consider incorporating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or visualization, into their daily routine.

Avoid Triggers: Identify and minimize potential triggers for night terrors, such as certain foods, drinks, or activities close to bedtime. Additionally, limit exposure to stimulating media before sleep.

Ensure Safety During Episodes: If your child experiences a night terror, make sure they are safe by gently guiding them back to bed without waking them fully. Attempting to wake or restrain them may prolong the episode or increase distress.

Seek Professional Advice: If night terrors persist or significantly affect your child’s well-being or daily functioning, consider consulting your pediatrician or a sleep medicine professional for further evaluation and guidance.

Night terrors can be unsettling for both children and parents, but with understanding and effective strategies, they can be managed. By creating a consistent sleep routine, providing a supportive environment, and minimizing potential triggers, you can help your child navigate through night terrors and ensure they have a restful night’s sleep.

Our sleep medicine specialists at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center can determine whether these events are night terrors or whether they are symptoms of a more serious sleep disorder like sleep apnea. Our doctors will combine the information they learn from your child’s sleep history, physical exam, and other test, like a sleep study, to make the diagnosis.

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