- Night terrors are distinct from nightmares as they occur in the first part of the night
Our little one always had hers before 10pm. Sometimes she would have more than one a night. It is important to distinguish between nightmares as they are very different and treatment is different.
- During a night terror the child is still asleep. The recommended treatment is to leave them so they can return to sleep as quickly as possible.
We found just leaving her too difficult; she was screaming at the top of her lungs, reaching for things that were not there, crying and calling out for us and usually had her eyes open so appeared to be awake. We would try to comfort her but during the worst of it we would typically wake her to calm her down. We did this by bringing her out with us to watch tv, ah the magic of television! Once she was in front of the tv she would wake and she was always fine and happy, delighted to be up watching tv. We never had any trouble returning her to her bed (but could certainly see how this could develop into a bad pattern!).
These days I tend to follow the same drill when she has a terror: put on her sleeping music, try and calm her by stroking her back or face and repeat to her over and over again "just close your eyes and try to go back to sleep". I don't get her out of bed for a cuddle unless she wants it. It may be because we have passed the worst of it, but she seems to settle more quickly and returns to sleep.
- Unlike a nightmare, night terrors do not indicate the child is frightened by something.
From my understanding night terrors relate to an immature neurological function. They are somehow stuck between sleep levels as a result of their brains still developing, and being so active. In the morning they have no recollection of the episode.
It certainly seemed the case to us that once awake she was fine and had no fear of returning to her bed to sleep. The psychologist suggested it was not in his field as it was neurological rather than psychological.
- Night terrors are very common.
Of all the parents I spoke to it seemed 1 in 3 had some experience of the night terrors! It is really common, with varying degrees. Our little one seemed to get a bad dose as it was occurring every night, sometimes up to 3 times per night for about 3 months. Most parents said they let their child watch tv until they calmed down and then put them back to bed. Not many were able to just leave them and stand watch for their safety.
- Night terrors are very stressful for the parents!
I found that time very stressful! We didn't feel like we could go out as we didn't want to leave her with a babysitter. The child appeared to be so distressed it was really concerning. Trying to comfort them is really difficult also as they are calling for you but don't seem to recognise you or react to you. Sometimes they push you away.
- There is not too much you can do other than ride it out.
The triggers are considered to be overtiredness and overheating. Our child has never been a great sleeper - she is never tired! - and she is like a little furnace at times when she is sleeping. Other than keeping tabs on these things, there is not too much else to do. We were frantically trying to find someone to help! Every medical person was always very relaxed and gave the same advice: there is nothing wrong, it is very common, make sure she gets enough sleep and doesn't overheat, and stay with her during the episode to ensure her safety.
Some explanatary websites are http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/night_terrors.html and http://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/factsheets.cfm?doc_id=8841
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