It’s not a nightmare, but it can feel just as terrifying. For many families, a child’s night terror is like watching a horror movie unfold in their own home. There’s no monster, only the unsettling sight of a child screaming, sweating, and consumed by fear. These episodes are deeply disturbing for parents and frightening for the children experiencing them....Click to Read More >>➤

By morning, the event is usually forgotten. Despite its intense nature, a night terror is simply a type of sleep disturbance, explains psychologist and medical doctor Dr. Jonathan Redelinghuys. Understanding this can help parents respond more effectively and with less panic.

What Exactly Are Night Terrors?

Night terrors typically occur in the first few hours of sleep, during deep non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep. Research indicates that up to 7% of children between the ages of one and twelve experience them. The good news, Dr. Redelinghuys notes, is that children typically outgrow this phase naturally without any long-term effects.

When a night terror happens, it’s crucial for parents to recognize that the child is not awake. “They look conscious, but they are stuck between sleep stages and the brain’s fight-or-flight response is over-activated,” he clarifies. “The child is not aware of what is happening and is not in psychological distress, even though it looks frightening.”

During an episode, your role is to ensure safety, not to stop it. Do not shake or try to wake the child. Make sure they cannot fall or walk into anything. Let the night terror run its course. When it ends, gently guide them back to bed. In the morning, do not discuss the event. The child will not remember it and does not need a dramatic recap.

Night Terrors vs. Nightmares: Knowing the Difference

Parents often confuse night terrors with nightmares, but the two are distinct. Understanding the difference is key to an appropriate response. “Nightmares happen later in the night during REM sleep,” Dr. Redelinghuys states. “The child wakes fully, remembers the dream, and seeks comfort. Night terrors happen earlier, during deep sleep, and waking the child is extremely difficult. Attempts to do so usually prolong the episode.”

The best thing a parent can do during a night terror is to stay calm and ensure the child’s safety until the episode passes on its own. Your composure is the most important tool in that moment.

Identifying Common Triggers and Prevention Strategies

There is rarely a single clear cause for a night terror. “Overtiredness, disrupted routines, fever, a full bladder, and illness can all trigger terrors,” says Dr. Redelinghuys. A family history of parasomnias, like sleepwalking, also increases the likelihood. Emotional overload during the day is another significant factor. Anxiety, school pressure, family tension, screen stimulation, or major emotional events can keep a child’s nervous system activated long after bedtime.

“A night terror is often the smoke, not the fire,” Dr. Redelinghuys advises. “Look at what is happening in the child’s life. That’s where parents should pay attention.” Prevention often hinges on reducing these triggers and maintaining stability.

A consistent bedtime, sufficient sleep, predictable wind-down routines, reduced stimulation before bed, and avoiding screens at night can all help minimize occurrences. For children whose night terrors happen at a predictable time each night, some research suggests gently waking them briefly 15 to 30 minutes before the usual onset and then letting them fall back asleep. This can help interrupt the cycle. Underlying issues like snoring, breathing pauses, or persistent illness can also contribute to night terrors and should be addressed.

When to Seek Further Help

In some cases, night terrors could spark bedtime anxiety if a child becomes aware of the incidents. “It helps to talk about bedtime feelings during the day, in a relaxed ...Click to Read More >>➤