Does your child scream in their sleep? Understanding Night Terrors - Nirogi Lanka

Does your little one sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, screaming, and trying to run out of bed? Do they appear to have their eyes open, yet they don't seem to recognize you, while sweating, struggling to breathe, and acting extremely agitated? No matter how much you try to soothe them, do you find it difficult to calm them down? Surprisingly, when you ask them about it in the morning, they have no memory of the event. This condition is what we call Night Terrors, sometimes referred to as Sleep Terrors. Please do not be alarmed; this is a common occurrence, especially among young children. Let us discuss this in detail here at Nirogi Lanka.

What are Night Terrors?

Simply put, a night terror occurs when your brain is in a state of being "half-asleep, half-awake." It is as if you are trapped between a dream and reality. During these episodes, you may feel overwhelming fear or panic. You or your child might suddenly sit up in bed, jump out, cry, scream, sweat profusely, or experience a fast heart rate. These episodes typically last anywhere from one to 30 minutes, after which you usually return to sleep.

For a parent or a partner trying to help, it can be very difficult to console someone experiencing a night terror, as the person is not fully conscious. Surprisingly, when you wake up in the morning, you will likely have no memory of the event at all!

Night terrors belong to a group of sleep-related behavioral and movement disorders known as Parasomnias. They most often occur during the deepest stage of sleep, known as NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, typically within the first few hours of falling asleep.

Night Terrors in Children

Children are more prone to night terrors, especially between the ages of 3 and 7. In most cases, as children grow older and approach adolescence, these episodes naturally fade away, so there is no need to worry excessively.

During an episode, your child may have their eyes open but appear vacant, unresponsive, or unable to recognize you. They might even keep their eyes closed. They may not answer when you speak, and trying to comfort them might even make them more agitated. Some children may thrash their legs, mumble, or say things that make little sense. Children who experience night terrors may also be more prone to sleepwalking or bedwetting later on. However, they will have no memory of the episode the next morning.

Consider the story of Nadeesha, a mother whose four-year-old son, Senuka, would suddenly wake up at 11:00 PM, screaming and jumping out of bed. When Nadeesha went to check, she found him sitting up with wide eyes, drenched in sweat, and crying loudly. When she asked, “What is wrong, son?” he didn't even seem to recognize her. He would point at something invisible, trembling in fear. When she tried to hold him, he would struggle and sometimes lash out. After 10 to 15 minutes, Senuka would fall back asleep. In the morning, he would have no recollection of the incident. While this was very distressing for Nadeesha, her doctor confirmed it was simply a case of night terrors.

Night Terrors in Adults

Night terrors are less common in adults. However, if they do occur, adults are at a higher risk of injury because they might suddenly jump out of bed or try to run, risking collisions with furniture or other obstacles in their room.

In adults, night terrors can sometimes be a sign of an underlying mental health concern. For instance, they may be linked to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following a severe trauma or to severe Anxiety Disorders.

What is the difference between Night Terrors and Nightmares?

Many people confuse night terrors with nightmares, but there are significant differences. Let's look at them:

• Night Terror:
• You have no memory of the event in the morning.
• It is very difficult to console you; you remain largely unresponsive.
• You may jump out of bed, scream, thrash, or run.
• Occurs during deep NREM sleep, usually in the first few hours of the night.
• You may have your eyes open but are unaware of your surroundings.

• Nightmare:
• You usually remember the dream, which is why you wake up feeling scared.
• If someone speaks to you, you recognize them and can be comforted.
• You usually stay in bed; there is less likelihood of physical thrashing or running.
• Occurs during REM sleep (the dream stage), usually towards the early morning.
• You are fully conscious immediately upon waking.

“Simply put, a night terror is a state of fear during deep sleep where you are unconscious and unaware of your actions. A nightmare is a state of fear following a bad dream, where you wake up fully aware.”

How common are Night Terrors?

Studies suggest that 1% to 6.5% of children between the ages of 1 and 12 may be affected by this condition. It is significantly less common in adults.

What are the signs of Night Terrors?

There are several distinct signs and symptoms to look for:

• Physical Signs:
• Sweating
• Screaming or crying
• Hyperventilating
• Fast heart rate
• Dilated pupils
• Rapid, vigorous movements (Thrashing)
• Sleepwalking

• Symptoms experienced:
• Intense Fear
• Panic
• Confusion
• No awareness of surroundings
• Inability to be comforted or respond to others
• Difficulty waking up
• No memory of the night terror in the morning

What Causes Night Terrors?

To be honest, the exact cause of night terrors remains unknown. Research suggests they occur when your brain becomes "stuck" between deep sleep and the waking stage. Because you are not fully awake during these episodes, it is often difficult for others to comfort or rouse you.

What Triggers Night Terrors?

Certain factors can trigger or exacerbate these episodes. Common triggers include:

• Fever
• Sleep deprivation or extreme exhaustion
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (a condition where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep)
• High levels of stress or anxiety
• Emotional tension
• Alcohol consumption (particularly in adults)

Who Is Most at Risk?

Anyone can experience night terrors at any age. However, studies show that if there is a family history of these episodes (genetics), your likelihood of experiencing them increases.

Additionally, if you suffer from other sleep disorders—such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea or Periodic Limb Movement Disorder—you are at a higher risk of experiencing night terrors.

Can Night Terrors Cause Complications?

Yes, they can lead to secondary issues. One primary concern is the disruption of sleep for you or your child, which reduces overall sleep quality.

Another concern is the risk of physical injury. Because these episodes can involve intense thrashing, you might fall out of bed or collide with furniture, leading to bruises or more serious injuries. In some cases, medical intervention may be required for injuries sustained during an episode.

How Are Night Terrors Diagnosed?

When you visit a Nirogi Lanka doctor, they will review your symptoms (or those of your child) and perform a physical exam to confirm if it is indeed a night terror. If episodes are rare, no treatment is usually necessary. However, if they occur several times a week, you should definitely seek professional medical consultation.

Extensive testing is rarely needed. However, if your doctor finds it necessary, they may recommend an EEG (to assess brain activity) or polysomnography (an overnight sleep study) to rule out other conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

How Can You Stop Night Terrors?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment, but we are here to help you manage them.

The first priority is ensuring your safety during an episode. It is often best to simply wait for the episode to subside on its own. Since you likely won't remember the event, calmly discussing it the next day can help provide reassurance. Furthermore, addressing triggers like sleep deprivation, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or fever can significantly reduce the frequency of these occurrences.

Your Nirogi Lanka physician might also suggest stress-reduction techniques, such as talking to a mental health professional, as your emotional well-being is closely linked to your sleep health.

Are there medications for night terrors?

Medications are rarely used. They are only considered in extreme cases where the episodes result in frequent injury or fail to improve after treating the underlying triggers. Even then, medications are typically used to treat an underlying condition like anxiety.

What Is Life Like With Night Terrors?

Night terrors can be distressing for you and your family. For parents or partners, witnessing an episode can be frightening because you may feel helpless when you cannot wake or soothe your loved one.

However, night terrors are generally not a permanent condition. Many children grow out of them before their teenage years. Because they are often associated with underlying issues, managing those conditions usually resolves the night terrors.

If you experience them frequently or if your sleep quality is suffering, please contact your Nirogi Lanka healthcare provider. In an emergency, please call 911 or visit your nearest hospital emergency department.

How to Prevent Night Terrors (Prevention)

A medical professional can provide guidance on improving your sleep hygiene. This helps ensure you get the right amount and quality of sleep, which may also reduce the frequency of night terrors. Recommended practices include:

• Establish a consistent bedtime routine and aim for the amount of sleep appropriate for your age.
• Avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine-containing drinks (like tea or coffee) before bed.
• Remove sleep disturbances from your bedroom, such as bright lights or excessive noise.
• Seek treatment for underlying sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
• Ensure bedroom safety by moving potential hazards like bedside tables or chairs further away from the bed to prevent injury.

Should you wake someone experiencing a night terror?

No, experts recommend that you should not attempt to wake someone during a night terror.

Your first instinct might be to touch them or try to snap them out of it. However, this can be dangerous for both you and the person experiencing the terror. Their brain is in a state of deep sleep, making them difficult to rouse. In fact, trying to wake them up can often prolong the night terror.

The best approach is to gently guide them back to bed if they have gotten up, and speak to them in a calm, soothing, and soft voice. This helps them return to sleep once the episode passes. It is also important to remain nearby to ensure their safety until they have returned to a restful sleep.

When should you consult a doctor?

Please consult a doctor in the following situations:

• If night terrors are happening frequently (several times a week).
• If you or your child are not getting adequate, restful sleep.
• If you or your child sustain an injury during a night terror episode.
• If episodes occur every night, particularly in the second half of the night.
• If the episodes last less than a minute (this may indicate a different underlying condition).
• If you observe other symptoms such as snoring, mouth breathing, or excessive daytime sleepiness.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Why are these night terrors happening to me/my child?
• Do I/my child need a sleep study?
• How can I improve my sleep hygiene effectively?
• How can I keep the environment safe during a night terror episode?

Waking up to someone shouting or thrashing in the middle of the night can be frightening, and it is natural to feel helpless. Conversely, you might be told you had a night terror, yet have no memory of it yourself.

By definition, night terrors can be an incredibly distressing experience for everyone involved, often preventing you or your household from getting the quality rest you need.

If night terrors persist, always speak with a doctor. They can help identify triggers, address underlying health conditions, and provide a management plan. If there is an immediate medical emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.

Key Takeaways (Nirogi Lanka)

Night terrors are generally not a cause for panic, especially in young children, and often resolve on their own as they grow older.

• Do not attempt to wake someone during a night terror. Instead, gently guide them back to bed and ensure they are safe.
• Sleep hygiene is paramount. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and avoid caffeine before bed.
• Consult a doctor if episodes are frequent, result in injury, or cause severe daytime sleepiness.
• In adults, night terrors may indicate stress or other health issues, so professional medical evaluation is recommended.

If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available through Nirogi Lanka.

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Keywords: Night Terrors, Sleep Terrors, Parasomnia, NREM sleep, PTSD, Anxiety Disorder, Sleep Deprivation, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, EEG, Polysomnography, Sleep Hygiene, Night Terrors, Sleep Issues, Child Health, Mental Health, Nightmare, Sleep Screaming