Hearing a blood-curdling scream at 2 a.m. is every parent’s worst nightmare. You rush in, heart pounding, only to find your toddler thrashing around, eyes wide but unseeing.
If this scene sounds familiar, you aren’t dealing with a standard bad dream. You are likely facing night terrors. While terrifying to witness, they are generally harmless and more common than you might think.
We dug into the latest sleep science to explain exactly what these episodes are, why they happen, and how you can help your little one (and yourself) get back to a peaceful night’s rest.
Key Takeaways
- Night terrors are a sleep disturbance (parasomnia) occurring in deep sleep, distinct from nightmares.
- They are most common in children aged 3 to 6 and are often outgrown by adolescence.
- Common triggers include overtiredness, stress, illness, and a change in routine.
- Management involves keeping the child safe, not waking them, and preventing sleep deprivation.
What Are Toddler Night Terrors?
Night terrors, clinically known as sleep terrors, are a type of sleep disturbance called parasomnia. Unlike dreams that happen during REM sleep, night terrors occur during the deepest stage of non-REM sleep.
During an episode, a child might scream, thrash, sit up, or stare with wide eyes. It looks like they are awake and frightened, but they are actually still asleep. This creates a state of confusion where the brain is stuck between being asleep and awake.
While it is distressing for parents to watch, the child is usually not aware of the event. They won’t respond to comfort because they are still in a deep sleep state, and they rarely remember it happened the next morning (1).
Nightmares vs. Night Terrors
It is easy to confuse the two, but knowing the difference is vital for how you respond. Nightmares are scary dreams that wake a child up, while night terrors keep them locked in a sleep state.
Here is a quick breakdown of how to tell them apart:
- Timing: Night terrors usually happen in the first third of the night (1 to 2 hours after bedtime). Nightmares typically happen in the second half of the night during REM sleep.
- Awareness: A child having a nightmare wakes up and seeks comfort. A child having a night terror is difficult to wake and may push you away.
- Memory: Children remember nightmares. Children have no memory of a night terror the next day.
Common Causes of Night Terrors
Doctors aren’t 100% sure why some kids get them and others don’t, but there is evidence that the central nervous system is still maturing. When the brain tries to switch from deep sleep to lighter sleep, it essentially “glitches,” causing a terror.
However, certain factors can trigger these glitches more frequently:
- Sleep Deprivation: This is the most common culprit. Overtiredness alters the sleep stages, making transitions rockier.
- Genetics: If you or your partner had night terrors or sleepwalked as kids, your child is more likely to have them (2).
- Illness or Fever: Sickness puts stress on the body and disrupts normal sleep patterns.
- Stress or Change: New siblings, moving houses, or starting school can trigger episodes.
- Full Bladder: Sometimes the body’s need to use the bathroom during deep sleep can trigger a partial arousal.
How To Manage Night Terrors
There is no magic pill to stop night terrors instantly, but you can significantly reduce their frequency and keep your child safe.
1. Do Not Wake Your Child
It goes against every parenting instinct you have, but you should not try to wake a child having a night terror. They are in deep sleep, and shaking or shouting at them will only leave them disoriented and confused.
Instead, sit quietly nearby to ensure they don’t fall out of bed or hurt themselves. Speak in a low, soothing voice. The episode will usually pass in 5 to 15 minutes, and they will settle back down on their own.
2. Prioritize Sleep Hygiene
Since overtiredness is a massive trigger, adjusting the schedule is often the best cure. Look at your toddler’s total sleep hours. Are they dropping a nap too early? Is bedtime too late?
Try moving bedtime 15 to 30 minutes earlier. An earlier bedtime prevents the “crash” that leads to the deep, heavy sleep where terrors thrive.
3. Try Scheduled Awakenings
If the terrors happen like clockwork (for example, every night at 9:30 p.m.), you can try a technique called scheduled awakening.
Wake your child up 15 minutes before the expected episode (e.g., 9:15 p.m.). Keep them awake for about 5 minutes, have them take a sip of water or use the bathroom, and then let them go back to sleep. This resets their sleep cycle and helps them skip the “glitch” transition (3).
4. Childproof the Room
Because night terrors can sometimes lead to sleepwalking or thrashing, safety is key. Ensure the floor is clear of toys they could trip on. If they are in a big kid bed, consider a guard rail to prevent falls. Secure any windows and stair gates just to be safe.
When to See a Doctor
Most of the time, night terrors are a phase that requires no medical intervention. However, there are specific instances where you should consult your pediatrician.
Reach out to a professional if:
- Episodes are dangerous: The child tries to leave the house or does things that could cause injury.
- Frequency increases: The terrors are happening almost every night or multiple times a night after trying home remedies.
- Breathing issues: Your child snores loudly or gasps for breath while sleeping (signs of sleep apnea).
- Daytime impact: The child is excessively sleepy or having behavioral issues during the day.
FAQs
Can Too Much Screen Time Cause Night Terrors?
While screens don’t directly cause night terrors, they can delay sleep onset and reduce sleep quality. Since overtiredness is a primary trigger for night terrors, excessive screen time before bed can indirectly increase the risk of an episode.
Are Night Terrors Caused By Trauma?
Not necessarily. While stress and trauma can disrupt sleep and trigger episodes, night terrors are primarily physiological, occurring during sleep transitions. However, if a child has experienced significant trauma, it is worth discussing sleep disturbances with a professional.
Are Night Terrors Linked To Separation Anxiety?
They are distinct issues, but they can feed into each other. A child with separation anxiety may fight sleep, become overtired, and then experience night terrors as a result of that sleep deprivation.
Are Night Terrors More Common In Autistic Children?
Children with autism often experience sleep difficulties at a higher rate than neurotypical children. This can include frequent awakenings and night terrors, but night terrors alone are not an indicator of autism.
Is There A Link Between ADHD And Night Terrors?
Yes, studies suggest a correlation. Children with ADHD often struggle with sleep regulation, and sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea (which can trigger night terrors) are more common in children with ADHD.
At What Age Do Night Terrors Stop?
Night terrors are most common in children between the ages of 3 and 6. Most children outgrow them entirely by adolescence as their nervous system matures and their sleep cycles stabilize.
Can You Prevent Night Terrors Entirely?
You cannot guarantee prevention since genetics play a role. However, maintaining a consistent, calming bedtime routine and preventing your child from becoming overtired are the most effective ways to minimize the frequency of episodes.
This Too Shall Pass
Watching your child go through a night terror is heart-wrenching, but remind yourself that they aren’t in pain and they won’t remember it.
Focus on keeping them safe and ensuring they get plenty of rest. In time, their sleep cycles will mature, and these midnight scares will become a distant memory. Hang in there, you are doing a great job.
