Understand the Causes of Night Terror in Children and How to Handle It Properly at Night

Illustration of the cause of night terror in children (freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - As a parent, do you often see your little one suddenly screaming hysterically while sleeping? If so, it is important for you to immediately recognize what causes night terrors in children so that you do not make mistakes in taking action.

This condition often appears in the deep sleep phase that is not perfect for children. You need to remain calm when facing it because this attack, because it is actually harmless.

Proper handling will greatly help maintain the quality of your baby's rest.

Understanding Night Terror Sleep Disorder

Many people think this condition is the same as a normal nightmare. In fact, night terror is a hereditary disorder where children experience a kind of dream while in a very deep sleep phase.

This condition usually occurs in the first two hours after the child falls asleep. Unlike nightmares, children who experience this attack will not remember anything when they wake up in the morning.

Various Causes of Night Terror in Children

Reported from the Children's Hospital Colorado website, medically the main cause of night terrors in children is genetic or hereditary factors from parents. If you have a history of similar sleep disorders, it is likely that your child will also experience it.

The most frequently encountered external trigger factor is a body condition that is too tired. Lack of sleep or irregular rest patterns can also trigger the brain to experience disorders during the transition of the sleep phase.

In addition, there are several physical conditions such as fever, inflammation, or the effects of certain drugs that can also stimulate the emergence of this episode. In addition, a full bladder while sleeping is sometimes a trigger that parents rarely realize.

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Signs and Symptoms You Need to Pay Attention to

Children who experience night terrors usually look very agitated and difficult to calm. They may sit up in bed, scream, or even run around the room with their eyes wide open.

What often scares parents, even though their eyes are open, the child actually does not realize your presence nearby.

These attacks generally last between 10 to 30 minutes. You don't need to panic because this episode will end by itself when the child is calm again.

Steps for Handling and Prevention

When an attack occurs, don't try to wake the child forcibly because it will make him more confused. First, turn on the lights to reduce the scary shadows and talk in a calm and gentle tone.

Make sure the area around the bed is safe from sharp objects to prevent injury. You can direct the child back to bed slowly without having to shake their body hard.

For prevention, make sure your child has a consistent sleep schedule every night. If your child often has an attack at the same time, try the technique of waking them up 15 minutes before the time of the attack usually occurs.

Understanding the causes of night terrors in children will help you stay calm in accompanying the growth and development of your little one. Make sure you keep up to date with the latest health information and parenting tips at VOI.