Sleep Terror: Why You Shouldn't Wake Your Child

Night terrors, or sleep terrors, are episodes of intense screaming, crying, or fear during sleep. They are different from nightmares as they occur during non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep, when a child is sleeping very deeply, and are often accompanied by physical agitation and intense panic. While they can be distressing to witness, it is advised that you should not wake your child during a night terror. This is because they will likely be confused and disoriented, and it may take longer for them to settle down and go back to sleep. Instead, it is recommended to stay with the child, ensure their safety, and gently guide them back to bed if needed.

It's difficult to wake children during sleep terror

It is difficult to wake children during sleep terror because they are in a state of partial wakefulness, where their brain is in a deep sleep stage, and they are not fully conscious. This makes it hard for them to be roused and even harder for them to be comforted.

During a sleep terror episode, a child is in a state of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, also known as the "fight-or-flight" stage, which causes them to feel panicked and terrified. While it might be alarming for parents and caregivers to witness, it is best not to wake the child as they will not be aware of your presence or attempts to help and comfort them. The child will likely be confused and disoriented if woken and may take longer to settle back to sleep.

The child will eventually calm down and return to a normal sleep pattern within a few minutes without intervention. They usually won't remember the night terror when they wake up. Sleep terrors are not harmful, and most children outgrow them.

If sleep terrors are frequent and disruptive to the child's or family's sleep, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider or the child's doctor. They may advise a detailed sleep history, a physical exam, or a referral to a sleep specialist.

Waking them will cause confusion and distress

Night terrors are a common occurrence in children, with about 1 in 20 children experiencing them. They are characterised by partial wakefulness, with the child experiencing fear, panic, screaming, crying, and violent movements. While it can be distressing for parents to witness, it is important to remember that children usually do not remember the night terror and will go back to sleep within a few minutes.

If your child is experiencing night terrors, it is not recommended to wake them up during the episode. Waking a child during a night terror will likely cause confusion and distress. They will be disoriented and may take longer to settle down and return to sleep. Instead, it is best to sit quietly near your child, ensuring they do not hurt themselves by thrashing or running around.

The exact cause of night terrors is unknown, but they are believed to occur when the brain is in the non-REM stage of sleep, and the "fight-or-flight" response becomes overexcited. This results in the child feeling panicked and terrified. Night terrors are more likely to occur when a child is sleep-deprived or overtired, so it is important to ensure your child is getting enough rest and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule.

If your child experiences frequent night terrors, there are some strategies you can try to help prevent them. Firstly, note the timing of the night terrors and try to wake your child up about 15-30 minutes before they usually occur, keeping them awake for a few minutes. This technique, known as sleep interruption, can help disrupt the night terror pattern. Additionally, establishing a relaxing bedtime routine and reducing stress can also help reduce the occurrence of night terrors.

Remember, night terrors are typically not harmful, and most children outgrow them. However, if you are concerned or if the night terrors are affecting your child's quality of sleep, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance.

Sleep terror is harmless and children won't remember it

Sleep terrors, though alarming to witness, are not harmful to children and the child will likely have no memory of the event. During a sleep terror, a child is in a non-REM stage of sleep, and their brain partially wakes up, with the area controlling "fight-or-flight" responses becoming overexcited, causing feelings of panic and terror. The child will likely be screaming and inconsolable, and may even get out of bed or move around violently.

It is best not to wake the child during this episode, as they will only be confused and disoriented, and may take longer to settle down and go back to sleep. Instead, sit quietly near them to ensure they don't hurt themselves, and wait patiently for them to calm down and return to sleep, which usually happens within a few minutes. The child will likely have no memory of the event the next day.

Sleep terrors are less common than nightmares, affecting about 1 in 20 children, and most children grow out of them before their teen years. They can, however, be inherited, with a tendency to run in families. If sleep terrors are frequent, long-lasting, or affecting your child's daytime behaviour, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider, who can help identify triggers and manage any underlying conditions.

It's important to prevent injury and guide them back to bed

Night terrors are a common occurrence in children, with about 1 in 20 children experiencing them. They are characterised by partial wakefulness, with the child experiencing fear and panic. During an episode, a child might scream, get out of bed, or move around violently. While night terrors can be distressing to witness, it is important to remember that they are not harmful and children usually do not remember them.

If your child is experiencing night terrors, it is important to take steps to prevent injury and guide them back to bed calmly. Here are some strategies to consider:

Preventing Injury:

• Ensure your child's safety: Remove any objects from their bedroom that could cause harm if they thrash or move around. This includes toys, sharp objects, or furniture with sharp edges.
• Create a safe sleep environment: Make sure their bed is positioned away from walls or furniture that they could bump into. You can also consider using a bed rail to prevent them from falling out of bed.
• Monitor their sleep: Keep an eye on your child during a night terror to ensure they don't hurt themselves. You can sit quietly near them and gently guide them back to bed if they try to get up.

Guiding Them Back to Bed:

• Remain calm: Remember that your child is not fully awake during a night terror and might not be aware of your presence. Avoid trying to wake them up, as this can cause confusion and prolong the episode.
• Create a calm environment: Speak to them in a gentle, soothing voice. Dim the lights or use a soft night light to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere in their bedroom.
• Establish a bedtime routine: Develop a simple and relaxing bedtime routine to help your child wind down before sleep. This can include activities such as reading a book, listening to calming music, or practising deep breathing exercises.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Ensure your child gets enough sleep by sticking to a regular sleep schedule. A well-rested child is less likely to experience night terrors.
• Seek professional help if needed: If night terrors are frequent and affecting your child's well-being, consult a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance and recommendations tailored to your child's needs.

Remember, night terrors usually resolve on their own as children get older. By prioritising your child's safety and comfort, you can help them navigate through this challenging phase.

A regular bedtime routine can help prevent sleep terror

Night terrors can be distressing to witness, but they are not harmful and children rarely remember them. They occur when the child is partially awake, and the brain's "fight-or-flight" response is activated, causing panic and terror. While night terrors are not a cause for concern, they can be prevented by establishing a consistent and calming bedtime routine.

A regular bedtime routine can indeed help prevent sleep terror episodes in children. The routine should be simple, relaxing, and consistent, consisting of the same calming activities done in the same order every night. This can include activities such as brushing teeth, reading stories, singing songs, cuddling, and exchanging loving words before tucking your child into bed. By establishing this routine, you can help your child manage stress and improve their overall sleep hygiene.

Additionally, it is important to ensure your child is getting enough sleep. Maintain an age-appropriate sleep schedule, and if your child is potty-trained, encourage them to use the bathroom before bed. Keep their bedroom cool, ideally no warmer than 68 to 70°F (20 to 21°C), and limit their clothing to no more than two layers of cotton sleepwear.

It is also recommended to avoid caffeine and screen time before bed. Screens can emit blue light, which can interfere with the production of melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone. Instead, opt for calming activities that can help your child relax and prepare for sleep.

If your child experiences night terrors, it is best not to wake them. They will likely be confused and disoriented if awakened during a night terror. Instead, sit quietly near them to ensure their safety, and gently guide them back to bed if they get up. Most children outgrow night terrors, but if you are concerned or if the episodes are frequent or prolonged, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

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