Witnessing your child thrash and scream in their sleep can be alarming. Night terrors are a sleep disorder in which a child partially wakes from deep sleep in a terrified state. They often occur during the first half of the night and can be triggered by fever, lack of sleep or emotional stress. During a night terror, your toddler may sit up, scream, sweat and seem inconsolable, yet they are not truly awake and will have no memory of the event.
Night terrors vs. nightmares
Nightmares are scary dreams that typically happen during REM sleep in the early morning hours. A child will wake up and recall the dream, often seeking comfort. Night terrors, in contrast, don’t involve dream content and children don’t remember them. Because they occur when the brain is transitioning between sleep stages, waking a child during a night terror can prolong the episode.
What parents can do
During a night terror, stay calm and let the episode run its course. Avoid shaking or shouting at your child; instead, gently ensure they don’t fall or injure themselves. Comforting comments and a safe environment help them return to sleep more quickly. Preventative steps include maintaining a regular bedtime so your child is well‑rested and reducing stress before sleep. If episodes are frequent, consult your pediatrician to rule out underlying issues.