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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