How to Get Rid of Night Terrors

Night terrors are also called sleep terrors. A night terror occurs when a kid is partially wake from a very deep sleep. Sleepwalking is also another example of partial awakening from a deep sleep. The sleep disorder of night terrors typically occurs in children aged 3-12 years, with a maximum beginning in children aged 3½ years. Sleep is divided into 2 categories: fast eye movement (REM) and nonrapid eye movement (non-REM). Non-REM sleep is advance divided into 4 stages, progressing from stages 1-4. Night terrors occur during the change from stage 3 non-REM sleep to stage 4 non-REM sleep, beginning roughly 90 minutes after the child falls asleep. Night terrors are clearly different from the much more common nightmares, which occur during REM sleep. A night terror can last any somewhere from five to forty minutes. Unlike a nightmare, a child will fall right back asleep after the night terror and have no memory of what occurred.

Night terrors in children are clearly different from the much more common nightmares. Night terror symptoms are frequent and recurring episodes of intense crying and terror during sleep, with trouble arousing the child. Night terrors is a sleep disorder condition. Unplanned and unwanted movements and actions are seen with this disorder. With night terrors, sleep is troubled by changes in these cycles. Short periods of abrupt slight waking during deep sleep occur, often in a scared and terrified condition. Night terrors are alarming episodes that disrupt family life. An estimated 1-6% of children experience night terrors. Children of all races also seem to be affected evenly. The disorder usually resolutions during adolescence.

Causes of Night Terrors

Common causes and risk factors of Night Terrors

1. Sleep deprivation.
2. Stressful life events.
3. Drugs which affect the central nervous system (the brain).
4. Fever.

Symptoms of Night Terrors

Common symptoms of a Night Terrors include:

1. Tachypnea (increased breathing rate).
2. Tachycardia (increased heart rate).
3. Sweating during episodes.

Treatment of Night Terrors

In many cases, a child who has a night terror simply needs comfort and reassurance. Psychotherapy or counseling can be proper in some cases. Benzodiazepine drugs (such as diazepam) used at bedtime will often reduce night terrors; however, drug is seldom recommended to treat this disorder.