Many parents are familiar with it. One minute the child is sleeping peacefully, the next it is screaming in panic, kicking and thrashing around and cannot be calmed down. And as suddenly as it came, the spook is over and the child is asleep again. This phenomenon is known as a night terror – also known as pavor nocturnus, which means ‘nocturnal fear’ in Latin. But what exactly is this night terror? Where does it come from and what is the best behaviour for parents if their child is affected by it?
How does a night terror manifest itself?
Pavor nocturnus usually occurs in the first one to about four hours after falling asleep, always in the non-REM phases with few dreams. The child – usually of toddler or school age – is startled out of sleep with a loud sob or cry, is disoriented, does not react to being spoken to and kicks and thrashes about violently. The child is often drenched in sweat and has an extremely rapid pulse. The eyes may be open, but the gaze is blank. The night terror can be over after just a few minutes. However, it can also last up to 45 minutes.
Who is affected by night terrors?
As frightening as the phenomenon of night terrors may be for parents, it is usually completely harmless and disappears as quickly as it came. Some children only experience the night terrors, which are classed as sheep disorders, a few times in their lives, while others experience them more frequently at certain ages. Around 3 to 6 out of 100 children are affected by night terrors at least once during their childhood. Night terrors are more common in boys than in girls. A familial susceptibility to illness also seems to favor the occurrence. The phenomenon of sleepwalking is also often observed in children. Even if adults still suffer from night terrors in rare cases, the harmless sleep disorders usually stop with the onset of puberty.
Nightmare or night terror?
In contrast to nightmares, which children can remember vividly and fearfully even after waking up and during which they seek comfort from their parents during the night, a child affected by night terrors knows nothing more about the night-time incident the next day. Another difference is that nightmares occur much later after falling asleep, usually after midnight in the dream-intensive REM phase of sleep. Nightmares also occur regardless of age and can affect children and adults alike.
What causes night terrors?
The exact cause of night terrors has not been clarified beyond doubt. It is assumed that the central nervous system, which is not yet fully developed in children, is overexcited and this triggers night terrors. Impressions and experiences during the day, infections, a developmental spurt, lack of sleep, an irregular sleep rhythm and stress can promote the occurrence of night terrors. Children with a particularly high level of imagination or sensitivity also seem to be affected more frequently. Pavor nocturnus is usually completely harmless and does not need to be treated. However, if it occurs particularly frequently and persistently and the parents notice that the child is extremely tired the following day, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician to clarify any possible causes.
What to do in the event of a night terror?
As frightening as it is for parents, if a child suddenly screams loudly, thrashes around and is unresponsive during a night terror, the best course of action is to remain calm. It can help to speak quietly and gently to the child and ensure that they cannot hurt themselves while kicking and thrashing. Holding the child is not recommended, nor is waking them up. The night terror will pass by itself as quickly as it came.
How can you prevent a night terror?
With healthy sleep hygiene – i.e. regular bedtimes, a consistent and calm sleep ritual, a cozy atmosphere in the nursery and children’s bedding – you can definitely prevent a night terror. It is also advisable not to overfill the children’s day with appointments and to ensure that they have sufficient rest and relaxation periods during the day. Television or computer games should be avoided directly before bedtime. An evening conversation between parents and child about the day’s experiences can also be helpful and ensure peaceful and restful nights.
