By: Jamie Collins
Updated: Jan. 10, 2020
Originally Published: Jan. 10, 2020
As a parent, I once thought I had sleep disturbances figured out, especially with my first child, who typically slept well. When she would call out, it was usually for something minor—a lost blanket, a bathroom break, or a forgotten nightlight. I felt equipped to handle these small crises. However, one night, everything changed when she screamed in terror. I rushed in, expecting to comfort her after a bad dream, only to find that I couldn’t wake her or soothe her distress. My sweet three-year-old seemed trapped in her own nightmare, calling out for me yet unable to truly see or hear me. It wasn’t until later that I discovered she was experiencing her first night terror.
Night terrors, classified as parasomnia, differ significantly from nightmares. While children typically wake from nightmares and can express their fears, those suffering from night terrors remain in a state of sleep and often won’t remember the episode. Night terrors occur before a child enters REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, usually manifesting about one to two hours after they first fall asleep. They are most common in children aged three to twelve and can be quite alarming for parents or caregivers who witness them.
I vividly recall the helplessness and worry I felt as I watched my daughter in distress. She appeared frightened, yet my attempts to comfort her only seemed to escalate her agitation. Each time I tried to wake her, she would swat at me, as if I were the source of her confusion. There was one instance when she asked for water, but when I offered it, she pushed it away angrily, knocking the bottle to the floor. This back-and-forth continued for what felt like an eternity before she finally quieted down and returned to sleep.
Over time, I learned to prioritize her safety during these episodes. I began to remove potential hazards from her room, closed the bedroom door, and kept the stairway gate secured at night. I had to reassure myself that she would be okay. Clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Jennings advises that waking a child during a night terror can complicate the situation. Instead, it’s best to remain calm and gently guide them back to bed while waiting for the episode to pass.
Several factors can trigger night terrors, including stress, fatigue, changes in sleeping environments, fever, or certain medications. To mitigate these occurrences, Dr. Jennings suggests establishing an earlier bedtime to ensure adequate rest. Most children outgrow night terrors by adolescence with minimal long-term effects, but if the episodes become a concern, consulting a pediatrician is recommended.
Interestingly, night terrors can run in families, and my youngest daughter has begun to experience them, albeit less frequently. When I ask my children about their nighttime experiences, they often look at me with confusion, as if I’m the one who had been wandering around demanding odd items in the middle of the night. My eldest, now eight, hasn’t had an episode in a while, but she often recalls the times her sister would wake us up, frantically searching for things that weren’t there.
While these incidents can be disruptive, they also provide an opportunity for humor in hindsight. For example, my youngest once woke up yelling for money to buy ice cream from an imaginary truck. I couldn’t convince her there was no truck, yet within minutes, she was peacefully asleep again. Another time, she stood over her sleeping twin brother, accusing him of stealing her candy—a scene that would have been amusing if not for the chaos it created at that hour.
It’s essential to recognize that while night terrors may seem alarming, they are generally harmless and will likely resolve as children grow older. Keeping a consistent bedtime routine can help prevent fatigue-induced episodes. Additionally, ensuring a safe environment during these occurrences is crucial to avoid accidents.
In conclusion, understanding night terrors can transform parental worry into preparedness. Although they are unsettling to witness, they are a benign part of childhood development. Embracing the chaos with a sense of humor can help ease some of the stress. If you’re looking for more insights into parenting and home insemination, check out this blog post or learn more about effective methods at Make a Mom. For excellent resources on fertility and pregnancy, consider listening to episodes from Cleveland Clinic’s podcast.
Leave a Reply