Night terrors: what it is and how to treat it
What is night terrors?
Night terrors , also known as night terrors, are a sleep disorder characterized by episodes of sudden awakening during deep non-REM sleep . During these moments, the child manifests intense fear, agitation and unusual reactions that can make parents feel disoriented and frightened because they are helpless in the face of these episodes. It is important, however, to clarify that night terrors are not a symptom of any psychological, relational or emotional disorder, but a result of the stimulation of the limbic system (which manages emotions).
When do the episodes start and end?
Night terrors: causes
The cause of these episodes has not yet been identified, but it appears that they may be triggered by factors such as insufficient sleep or stress (Nightmares and Night Terrors in Children." National Sleep Foundation) or related to the development of the central nervous system ("Night Terrors: Clinical Characteristics and Personality Patterns." Pediatrics).
Among the situations that seem to determine these episodes are:
- Periods of stress;
- Sleep apnea;
- Alterations in water-salt balance;
- Gastroesophageal reflux ;
- Sleep deprivation;
- Fever;
- Bedroom with too many lights or too much noise.
Furthermore, it appears that there may be some heredity as if one parent experienced night terrors during childhood, there is a much greater chance that their child will also suffer from it.
How does it manifest itself?
Night terrors can be very scary and can even scare parents. The child suddenly wakes up screaming, but his gaze is blank as if he can't see anything and he doesn't respond to his parents' voice. The child is sweaty, pale, short of breath and his heart rate is increased. He may also wet himself and move his arms and legs wildly.
The episode can last from 10 to 30 minutes , after which the child goes back to sleep as if nothing had happened and in the morning has no memory of what happened .