Night terrors

Katherine - posted on 12/10/2009

My son has had them for years. His doctor said that kids get them as one of the side effects of lack of sleep. If my son had 2 later nights in a row or one really long night they would be bad. He would run and climb things in his room to try to get away. All the while screaming for me. I think it is scarier for you because you remember it in the morning. What we found helped was holding him and talking to him. We didnt turn on lights or anything because if he woke up from it it would always be worse. Because he would not understand what was happening. As he has gotten older and we have figured out what causes them for him they happen a lot less. But they do say they grow out of them. Just remember you are not alone. And it will get better.

Chantelle - posted on 12/09/2009

Night terrors suck, I feel for you. My son suffered from these for 4 years every week. At one point every night. Make sure when your son nods off to sleep you remove any blankets/sheets off him, and have a well ventilated room - fresh air helps, so he doesn't overheat. (a raise in body temperature contributes to bringing on a night terror) Night terrors usually occur a couple of hours after your child has gone to sleep, so just check on him regularly and make sure he's comfortable. My son used to start talking in his sleep, or yell, or just wriggle constantly. (so look for signs that let you know a night terror is coming on) then just make sure his body temp is not rising.

When my son would have his night terror he didn't recognise me or his dad, and would scream there was a headless man in his room. He would stare and scream at the walls and would be in hysterics. We found the best thing to do was to remove him from his room, cuddle him tightly and turn the lights on until he started to calm down. Never wake him up, and just talk to him softly.

It is really hard for the parents, but in the morning your little man will not remember a thing. So try not stress too much about it because eventually he will grow out of it.

Amanda - posted on 11/19/2009

My daughter had night terrors for a few years. They are scary for both mom and child, the best advise I can give is just to make sure he is in a safe area with nothing he can hurt himself on - my daughter tended to thrash about- and just talk to him in a calming voice for my daughter it helped to switch on the light or television she usually came out of it quicker that way.

Cathy - posted on 11/16/2009

My older son suffered from night terrors for a number of years and yes seemed awake at times but was actually asleep. He finally grew out of it but those were difficult years for me! Good luck with it! Make sure you get enough rest!

Anna - posted on 11/11/2009

Is he sleep walking?