For most of us, nightmares are a parenting rite of passage. But night terrors are a whole other ballgame and can happen anywhere from 18 months to 6 years of age. Dr. Haviva Veler, our resident sleep expert, breaks down everything parents need to know.
Q: What’s the difference between nightmares and night terrors?
Dr. Veler: Nightmares are “bad dreams.” So kids will dream, and then wake up in the morning to say they had a bad dream. This usually happens toward the end of the night/early morning. Night terrors are more dramatic. They usually take place at the beginning of the night, about one to three hours after falling asleep, and they happen very frequently in toddlers and preschoolers. They’re pretty dramatic and alarming for parents.
Q: What happens to my child during a night terror? Are they technically still sleeping?
Dr. Veler: Your child will scream and look distressed or in their “own world.” And yes, your kid is truly asleep! During a night terror, your child may:
- Sit up in bed and scream or cry
- Kick and punch around in bed
- Sweat, with a rapid heart rate
- Not recognize you or know you are there
- Be difficult to wake up
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Q: What should I do if my child is in the middle of a night terror?
Dr. Veler: Nothing—because night terrors are completely normal, especially if your child is tired or has been sick—usually with a fever. We don’t recommend trying to wake kids up, but instead, let the night terror pass. Stay by their side to make sure they are safe, but don’t get involved.
Q: How long can my child’s night terror last?
Dr. Veler: It’s not unusual for night terrors to last up to 45 minutes, but they’re usually much shorter. Most kids will fall right back to sleep after the terror passes because they were never really awake during the episode. Proof that your kid is sleeping through the event is that they will have no memory of it the next day—unlike a nightmare which they will likely remember.
Q: Can melatonin or any other kind of vitamin help with my child’s night terrors?
Dr. Veler: No. In most cases, melatonin is safe and effective but there is little scientific evidence that shows it helps to resolve night terrors. Also, night terrors are not caused by any lack of vitamin or diet.
>Related: Is Melatonin Always Safe for Kids?
Q: Does sleep apnea cause night terrors in children?
Dr. Veler:Sleep apnea can cause arousals (sudden movement during sleep) and if these happen during the time kids are in deep sleep, it can trigger an episode of night terrors. If these night terrors happen at an older age, or more often, please ask your pediatrician for a referral to a pediatric sleep specialist.
Q: My child’s night terrors are getting more frequent. How can I help?
Dr. Veler: If your child has excessive night terrors, there are three things you can try:
- Aim for a set bedtime routine: bath, book, bed.
- Set up a calming sleep environment with a night light and white noise machine.
- Keep track of how many hours they’re sleeping, and if you’re still concerned, reach out to Connecticut Children’s sleep team.
>Related: Solve your child's sleep issues, age by age.