Night terrors in children: How should parents react?

Your child may show various signs during a night terror. The signs are variable and specific to each individual. For example, a child may suddenly sit up in bed in a panic. They may scream, cry, sweat profusely, seem completely distraught, talk incoherently and behave aggressively. They may not be able to stand being touched or held. They may have their eyes open, but with a blank look. Some children even vomit and shake all over.

These awakenings can be extremely confusing and distressing for parents, especially during a first episode. Remember that the child is not really awake. They are unaware of what’s going on, are not in pain and are not really afraid. What’s more, unlike a nightmare that you remember when you wake up, night terrors leave no trace in your memory.

React calmly and be patient

In most cases, your child won’t even be aware that you’re there, since, as mentioned, they are still asleep. Be calm and patient, then apply these three recommendations to reduce the intensity of the night terror as much as possible.

1. Do not wake the child

It’s not advisable to wake a child during a night terror, as this could be very confusing for them and even prolong the episode. Stay close to the child. That way, if they wake up on their own, you can reassure them and put them back to bed without making a fuss.

2. Gently reassure them

Even if your child doesn’t seem to respond to your presence, your soft, soothing voice can comfort them in their restless sleep. Talk to them calmly, but avoid touching the child, as they may reflexively fight back..

3. Protect the child’s sleeping environment

Make sure your child’s room is safe. Avoid having obstacles or hard objects around the bed that could cause an injury if the child becomes restless during the night. Finally, stay close to them during the night terror to make sure they don’t hurt themselves by falling out of bed, for example.

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate night terrors, there are some strategies that can certainly promote a better night’s sleep. The impact of night terrors can be reduced by focusing on certain external factors that may accentuate or provoke them.

Establish a regular sleep routine

Make sure your child goes to bed and gets up at regular times every day. A stable sleep routine will help regulate sleep cycles and reduce night terrors.

Create a soothing environment

A calm, comfortable sleeping environment is crucial. Make sure your child’s room is dark, quiet and at a comfortable temperature. If there’s a nightlight in the room, choose a low-intensity light.

Encourage relaxation before bedtime

Introduce relaxing activities before bedtime, such as reading stories or listening to soft music. Avoid screens and stimulating activities that could disrupt sleep; instead, take advantage of this “tender time” to be totally present with your child.

Monitor sources of stress

Be aware of any stress or anxiety factors in your child’s life. Encourage them to regularly express their emotions and identify the sources of their worries and help them find appropriate coping strategies.
In short, night terrors usually occur in the early to middle of the night, and they can happen repeatedly, which can be distressing for parents. Remember that this is just a passing phase that will fade with time, and that there are small steps you can take to reduce their intensity and improve the quality of sleep for the whole family. However, if these episodes become more frequent or persist, don’t hesitate to consult a health professional. A family coach can also help you create a sleep-friendly environment for your little one and share personalized strategies for reassuring a child struggling with stress or anxiety.

Références

1. Naître et grandir, June 2023. Article: “Les terreurs nocturnes.”

2. Université de Montréal, Faculty of Medicine, May 4, 2015. Article: “Les enfants de parents somnambules ont une probabilité plus élevée d’être somnambules eux aussi.”