What Are Night Terrors?

• Night terrors happen during the deepest sleep cycle. Repeated episodes of abrupt awakening are coupled with screaming, confusion, agitation and amnesia as the episodes go on. Those who have night terrors will wake up fast and suddenly, with their hearts pounding. They will not be responsive to those who try to comfort them, and may be totally unaware of their surroundings. Some children may sleepwalk. In almost every case, the person will not remember the episode upon waking up fully, although some people may have vague images of something scary occurring.
  
  

Treatment

• These episodes usually disappear on their own by adolescence, so medical attention is generally not needed. Some doctors will suggest altering the sleep patterns of the affected child to get added rest. Stress should be eradicated from the child's life as much as possible, as well. Parents should also keep an account of the time when the terrors typically occur, and then wake the child up fully around 10 to 15 minutes before that time, for about five minutes. Many times, the night terrors will stop after a week of this treatment.
  The best treatment for a child who awakens with night terrors is to simply hug and gently restrain the child until he is calm. A child should never be shaken or yelled at, as this will just confuse him much more. While night terrors can be frightening and stressful, they are not physically harmful.
  
  

Medical Treatments

• In more severe night terror cases, a doctor may give the patient a prescription for antidepressants or benzodiazepines to relieve stress and tension. Night terrors that occur in adults, although rare, can also be treated with these medications, although the dosages will need to be stronger. Doctors may also recommend therapy or counseling, as night terrors may be related to stress.