Night Terrors In Toddlers

Some toddler sleep issues are very alarming for the parent. Night terrors in toddlers are definitely alarming and frightening for anyone witnessing them.

Night terrors are also known as "confusional arousals" and occur when someone is at the end of their deep non-REM sleep and is moving into the lighter REM sleep - but they get stuck in the transition.

Night terrors are very different to nightmares. Your toddler will remember a nightmare but they won't remember a night terror. Whereas with nightmares your toddler wakes up from a nightmare and he is aware that he is awake, in a toddler night terror your child will appear to be awake but will still be asleep.

During a night terror, your toddler will cry out, scream, thrash around but will still be asleep. Your toddler's eyes will be open but he will be inconsolable, panic-stricken and terrified.

Night terrors in toddlers last roughly between 10 - 30 minutes (though can be longer) and eventually your toddler will calm down and go back to sleep. In the morning your toddler will wake up as normal and will not remember anything about the night terror.

Night terrors are upsetting for the parent to see as their child is in such acute distress and they cannot console him. If your toddler is having a night terror you should not wake him up as in attempting to wake him up he may become more agitated and panicked. He could lash out at you possibly causing both you and him harm. Trying to wake him can also prolong the night terror.

Stay near your toddler during his night terror in case he gets out of bed and begins to sleep walk. You will need to prevent him from causing harm to himself such as knocking into things or tripping, or thrashing onto a hard surface.

Both toddler nightmares and night terrors are also scary for any other children who are then woken by the crying and screaming. You will need to reassure your other children that everyone is okay and that the night terror will pass.

Causes Of Night Terrors In Toddlers

Sleep experts believe that night terrors in toddlers could be associated with lack of sleep, overtiredness and an upset sleeping routine. Have a look at our Toddler Sleep Section to see if your toddler is getting enough sleep (however, remember all toddlers vary!).

You could try and start your bedtime routine half an hour earlier than usual and check your daytime naps - be sure not to use the car in the late afternoon as if your toddler takes a nap in the late afternoon everyone's sleep will be disrupted.

It could also be that your toddler is becoming aware of having a full bladder and if you can, guide him go to the toilet and after he has urinated, he may then calm down.

If your toddler has several night terrors you may find it helpful to make a diary of when the night terrors happen. Record the date, time and length of terror. If you see a pattern emerging, you can wake your toddler before the time when he would usually have a night terror and by doing so you are interrupting the normal sleep cycle.

However, be sure to address the question of whether your toddler needs more sleep to help stop the night terrors altogether.

Night terrors in children can be part of the trials of a child's normal sleep pattern and other toddler sleep issues. They are not due to emotional disturbances or bad parenting which is comforting for a distressed parent to know.

As with all concerns about any toddler sleep issues, check it out with your doctor. Your doctor may associate your toddler night terrors with other toddler sleep issues or problems and may recommend medication or have medical advice to help you and your toddler during this difficult time.

During the weeks or months of the sleep disturbances caused by childhood nightmares or night terrors you will be tired. Be sure to take it easy on yourself and take good care of yourself.

No one is Superman or Superwoman! You will need to rest and support so that you have enough energy to deal with the normal daily routine as well as the broken nights.