What are the symptoms of night terrors?
During night terrors, a person may experience the following symptoms:
- Screaming or shouting
- Quick breathing
- A racing heart
- Sweating
- Confusion or difficulty waking up
- Remembering nothing about the episode the next morning
What causes night terrors?
The exact cause of night terrors is not fully understood, but they often occur during deep sleep. Possible triggers include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Sleep deprivation
- Fever
- Changes in sleep schedule
- Certain medications
How common are night terrors?
Night terrors are quite common, especially in young children. They usually occur in children aged 3 to 12 years, but can also affect adults in some cases.
Who is more likely to get night terrors?
Factors that may increase the likelihood of experiencing night terrors include:
- Having a family history of sleep disorders
- Being under stress or dealing with anxiety
- Experiencing sleep disturbances, such as sleepwalking
How can I treat night terrors?
Most children outgrow night terrors without treatment. However, here are some tips to help manage them:
- Keeping a regular sleep schedule
- Reducing stress before bedtime
- Ensuring your child gets enough sleep
- Avoiding caffeine and sugar before bed
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How to live with night terrors?
If someone has frequent night terrors, it can be helpful for their family to be supportive. Here are some things to consider:
- Stay calm and reassure your loved one during an episode
- Avoid waking them up during the episode; it can be confusing
- Keep a sleep diary to track patterns and triggers
What support is available for people with night terrors?
If night terrors are severe or frequent, seeking advice from a healthcare professional can be helpful. They may provide strategies for management or rule out other sleep disorders.
Final thoughts
In summary, night terrors are common and usually improve with time. If you or someone you know experiences night terrors frequently, it’s a good idea to speak to a GP or healthcare provider for assistance.
