Night Terrors: What They Are, Why They Happen and How to Support Your Child

If you have ever been woken in the night by your child screaming, thrashing or appearing terrified but unable to respond to you, you will know just how distressing night terrors can be.

I have previously nannied for a child who experienced night terrors, and I can honestly say it was horrible to witness. It leaves you feeling completely helpless when they are so distressed and you cannot reach them or comfort them in the usual way.

Many parents initially assume their child is having a nightmare. However, night terrors are very different, and understanding them is the first step in managing them calmly and

confidently.

What Are Night Terrors?

Night terrors are a type of parasomnia, which is a sleep disturbance that typically occurs during deep, non REM sleep. They are most common in children aged 2 to 7 years, although they can happen at other ages too.

During a night terror, your child may:

• Sit up suddenly in bed

• Cry, scream or shout

• Appear panicked or frightened

• Have a rapid heartbeat or breathing

• Push you away if you try to comfort them (despite how awake they may seem, your child is actually still asleep)

Night Terrors vs Nightmares

It is easy to confuse the two, but there are key differences:

Night terrors happen earlier in the night, often within the first few hours of sleep, and your child will not remember them. Nightmares occur during lighter sleep, usually later in the night, and your child will wake and often recall the dream.

Why Do Night Terrors Happen?

Night terrors occur when the brain becomes stuck between deep sleep and wakefulness. Your child’s body is activated, which is why they may scream or move, but their mind is still asleep.

They are often linked to an immature nervous system, which is why they are more common in younger children.

Common triggers include:

• Overtiredness, which is one of the biggest factorsIrregular or inconsistent sleep routinesIllness or fever

• Emotional stress or big changes, such as starting nursery or a new sibling

• Sleeping somewhere unfamiliar

In many cases, there is no single clear cause, and that can be frustrating for parents, but they are not a sign of anything being wrong.

Do Children Grow Out of Night Terrors?

Yes, most children do grow out of night terrors.

As the brain and nervous system mature, sleep becomes more stable and these partial awakenings tend to stop. For many children, this happens naturally over time without any intervention.

While they can feel intense and alarming, night terrors are generally harmless and temporary.

What Should You Do During a Night Terror?

As upsetting as it is to witness, the most important thing is to stay calm.

• Do not try to wake your child, as this can prolong or intensify the episode.

• Keep them safe by gently preventing them from falling or bumping into anything

• Stay close and reassuring, using a calm voice but minimal interaction.

• Let it pass, as most episodes last between 5 and 20 minutes

Your child will usually settle back to sleep on their own and have no memory of it the next day.

How Can You Support Your Child?

While you cannot always prevent night terrors completely, there is a lot you can do to reduce how often they happen:

• Prioritise good sleep habits

• A consistent bedtime routine and appropriate sleep schedule are key, as overtiredness is one of the biggest triggers

• Consider an earlier bedtime (even 15 to 30 minutes earlier can make a difference if your child is overtired)

• Keep days calm and predictable where possible (big changes and overstimulation can contribute to disrupted sleep)

• Create a safe sleep environment (this is especially important if your child moves around during episodes)

• Try scheduled waking if they are frequent and predictable - gently rouse your child 15 to 20 minutes before the usual time of the night terror for a few nights in a row, as this can help reset the sleep cycle

When Should You Seek Help?

• Night terrors are usually harmless, but you may want extra support if:

• They are happening very frequently

• Your child is at risk of injury

• They continue as your child gets older

• You are feeling exhausted, anxious or unsure how to manage them

Night terrors can feel incredibly intense in the moment, but your child is not aware of what is happening and they are not in danger.

With time, consistency and the right support, most families see a significant improvement, and in many cases night terrors disappear altogether.

If you are currently struggling with night terrors and feeling unsure what to do, I can help. I offer a free 15 minute call where we can talk through what is happening and what simple changes could make a difference for your child’s sleep.

You do not have to navigate this on your own.