Health Care > How to Cope With Night TerrorsRelated Photo
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Bight terrors, also referred to as sleep terrors or pavor nocturnas, can be frightening for parents. This sleep disorder typically occurs in Children ages 3 to 12 and often produces strange behaviors, sweating and screaming. Coping with Night terrors can be difficult, but there are things your can you can do ease the stress.
Keep a record of each night terror. Include a description of your child's day, the time she went to sleep, how long it took to get to sleep, the time of the night terror and the length of episode.
Create a safe bedroom for your child. Place gates at the openings of doors and stairs. Keep dangerous objects in boxes, drawers or closets. Lock all windows. Keep a dim light near your child's bed, so that you can turn it on during the night terror.
Establish a consistent bedtime and night time routine so your child gets plenty of restful sleep. Children who aren't getting enough sleep are more likely to have night terrors.
Alternate nights with your spouse. Night terrors disturb every one's sleep. The same person shouldn't handle the night terrors every night.
Understand that while night terrors are disturbing to the witness, they are not harmful. Children have no recollection of the events in the morning.
Obtain literature on night terrors such as "Banishing Night Terrors and Nightmares: A Breakthrough Program to Heal the Traumas That Shatter Peaceful Sleep," by Christopher Raoul Carranza and Jane Rogers Dill. If the terrors continue, seek help from professionals, such as your child's pediatrician.
