Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Night Terrors?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Night terrors are a type of dreaming quite different from the typical nightmare. They most commonly occur in children between the ages of three to eight, though this is not always the case. Older children may experience night terrors, and as well, some adults may suffer from them.

Night terrors occur during deep sleep. Children may scream, cry, shout, or wrestle with their parents. Children will not wake up fully, may not recognize their parents, and are usually inconsolable. They do not respond to logic, and even when their eyes are open, they are not fully conscious. They will also not remember what caused the terror, and will probably not remember any part of the resultant fit that occurs.

Parents should tell their pediatrician if their child is having frequent night terrors.
Parents should tell their pediatrician if their child is having frequent night terrors.

When a child suffers from night terrors, the caregivers cannot fix the problem. The only available option is to hold children softly and attempt to protect them from harm. Physical reactions to night terrors can be very violent. Keep beds well away from windows or hard furniture that could cause a child injury during night terrors. Though this behavior is very alarming, parents will only make the situation worse if they shout at the child or try to shake them into wakefulness.

Night terrors are most common in children between 3 and 8 years old.
Night terrors are most common in children between 3 and 8 years old.

In most cases, reducing stressors in the home, having a predictable bedtime routine that is calming, and letting the room be softly lit, can reduce incidence of night terrors. Children who live in a shared custodial arrangement may have more difficulty with a predictable bedtime routine. Parents sharing custody should work together so the child sleeps in the same bed every night, as much as it is possible to do so.

It may be helpful for parents to journal a child's activities during the day to discern what might be causing night terrors.
It may be helpful for parents to journal a child's activities during the day to discern what might be causing night terrors.

External stimuli in the hours right before bedtime may also cause more night terrors. Children’s rooms should not have televisions, and children should not watch television for at least an hour and a half before bedtime, as this is too stimulating. Instead, offer to read a calming book to the child, or give the child a warm bath each night, which is soothing and helps to make a child sleepier.

Children may scream, cry or shout when night terrors occur during sleep.
Children may scream, cry or shout when night terrors occur during sleep.

Though less common, older children may have night terrors. These still may disappear prior to adolescence, or they may continue into adulthood. Again, these episodes will not be nightmares because one cannot console, or fully waken the person with night terrors. As well, no memories exist of these events.

An issue with older children, and with adults having night terrors is that violent physical reactions may significantly harm either the caregivers or partners of the adults. Adults and bigger kids are much stronger, and their behavior during a night terror is usually completely lacking in control. Attempts to control behavior can do more harm than good.

Children that suffer night terrors after the age of eight should probably see a physician. Sleep studies can confirm brain activity during night terrors. Parents should also tell a pediatrician if children under the age of eight have frequent night terrors. Occasionally journaling a child’s activities during the day can help a parent discern patterns that either produce or reduce night terrors.

Adults who continue to suffer from night terrors should definitely see a doctor, who may be able to help them through a combination of therapy, and behavior adaptations.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon155161

It is frightening sometimes. My son use to have them one a a month and i thought they were gone. He is eight now and has had two over the last week. Tonight's was intense since he wanted me to save him but i couldn't.

I try to tell him to think of a fun place we go and that will usually help or at least temporarily. This last one lasted 10 minutes. I think it was because he had a temp and was given ibuprofen before bed. He stands on the bed and moves around. I have to hug him and try to get him to lie or sit back down so he doesn't fall off.

anon143787

My daughter had night terrors when she was 3 or 4. We did resolve it. the pediatrician explained that it happens during a certain time in the sleep pattern we all experience. it's been over 15 years, but as I recall, we were to interrupt her sleep 1 1/2 to 2 hrs after she fell asleep. Not completely, but maybe have her go pee or give her some water, and then let her go right back to sleep. That did it! She never had a another problem.

We did this for a couple of weeks. It was easy. Watching your child go through night terrors is horrible. They don't see you, and sometimes you become part of the problem, as she explained later when she could. They can't wake up, and everything is scary. Their eyes are open, but blank. I hope this helps. It worked for me!

rjohnson

anon67319- I don't think there's any way to stop them. I have them and haven't found a way. Well, I think if you can address the underlying concern -- the thing that is stressing you out -- then you can avoid them. And yes, they are scary as well as uncomfortable (especially when they come with night sweats). Plus, for me, the rest of the day is a bit botched because the bad mood from the terror sets my mood for the day.

anon101149

My grand daugther is only 14 months old and experiences night terrors as described in the article most every night. She lives in a loving stable home and her mother is beside herself as the experience is very scary. She feels helpless, not to mention unable to get a good night's rest herself.

anon67319

So there's no way to stop night terrors? I've never seen anyone have a night terror before, but it must be pretty scary.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Parents should tell their pediatrician if their child is having frequent night terrors.
      By: Magalice
      Parents should tell their pediatrician if their child is having frequent night terrors.
    • Night terrors are most common in children between 3 and 8 years old.
      By: olly
      Night terrors are most common in children between 3 and 8 years old.
    • It may be helpful for parents to journal a child's activities during the day to discern what might be causing night terrors.
      By: anyaberkut
      It may be helpful for parents to journal a child's activities during the day to discern what might be causing night terrors.
    • Children may scream, cry or shout when night terrors occur during sleep.
      By: Oksana Kuzmina
      Children may scream, cry or shout when night terrors occur during sleep.