How to cope with night terrors

'My child wakes screaming. His eyes are open but he doesn't recognise me...'

Is this frightening description familiar? Your child isn't dreaming - he's experiencing a night terror. A night terror is a partial wakening from a deep sleep usually early in the night. Don't panic - it's more frightening for you than it is for him. He'll remember nothing the next day. They are fairly common and tend to run in families.

Boy are more prone

During a night terror your toddler won't recognise you or respond to you, even if he has his eyes open. He may scream, shake, lash out and run around. Boys are more prone to night terrors, which usually start in the toddler years and last until the early teens. They are usually infrequent and stop on their own.

Dealing with night terrors

Stay calm. Settle your child back in bed and stay quietly with him until he quietens down. Never wake your child as it can frighten him, and don't shout at him or shake him. You can't 'snap him out of it'. A night terror can last up to an hour, so be patient.

Provide your toddler with a safe place to sleep. Pick up toys, lock or bar the windows and use a stair gate. Never put children who have night terrors on the top bunk.

Warn babysitters and other people who may be with your child at night, so they don't overreact.

Stressing out?

Although he may seem too young for it, your child may be suffering from stress. Find out what is worrying him but don't mention the night terrors. That might worry him, especially as he probably doesn't remember them. Make sure he isn't overtired, reacting to medicines or suffering from a food allergy.

Continual night terrors can be a sign of illness so seek medical advice especially if you notice drooling, jerking or stiffening during the terror.

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