How To Stop Night Terrors In Your Child

There's nothing more terrifying than watching your child experience a night terror. Or at least, that's what I gather from the way my mother describes the night terror I had as a toddler. Ever since having my own children, I've been just as scared to experience the same with my daughters. Wondering how to stop night terrors is a valid question every parent asks, whether their child has experienced one or not.

According to Kid's Health, night terrors are similar to a nightmare, but much more dramatic. Your child will probably be loud and seem as if they're awake and inconsolable, while they're actually still asleep. They can happen to anyone, and though they're generally rare, sleep terrors are more common in kids between the age of four and 12, according to the Mayo Clinic. They are, luckily, harmless in most cases and most kids grow out of them.

However, an article from Baby Center stated that while your child is in the midst of a night terror, there isn't much you can do to stop them, as waking them is usually impossible. And unless they're in danger of hurting themselves, you shouldn't try to stop it. The article recommended speaking calmly to your child and simply "waiting for the storm to pass."

There are, however, steps you can take to prevent terrors from happening in the future. What To Expect suggested creating a calming bed time routine, ensuring that your child feels as comfortable and safe as possible before bedtime. Similarly, cutting out any stressors in your child's environment or lifestyle can be a huge help to their quality of sleep.

Although it isn't comforting to think of not being able to help your child wake up from a night terror, you can take the necessary steps to ensure that your child experiences as few as possible, or even none at all.