How to Cope with Night Terrors
Night terrors are classified as a parasomnia by the American Psychiatric Association but are still not fully understood. Although they are not dangerous in themselves, it can be very disturbing for a witness and there is the possibility of the individual damaging himself if he walks into objects or uses appliances. Below describes symptoms of night terrors, things to remember, triggers and how to cope with them.
Symptoms of Night Terrors
The following are symptoms as described by the American Psychiatric Association (2002)
- A persistent fear or terror that occurs at night
- Screaming, gasping, moaning, talking whilst asleep or as the patient awakens
- Sweating
- Amnesia and complete lack of knowledge as to what happened while they were asleep.
- A heart rate of 160-170 beats per minute
- Open eyes
- Difficult to comfort on waking
- Difficulty waking and becoming fully awake
- Awakening un-refreshed and tired with the feelings lasting until midday.
Things to Remember About Night Terrors
- Night terrors are not nightmares. Nightmares occur during the deepest sleep (REM), whereas night terrors occur outside of this particular sleep pattern.
- They usually happen within the first hour of going to sleep and can last between five and twenty minutes.
- Night terrors appear to run in families.
- Night terrors are most common in children between the ages of three and five, although they can last a lifetime. Studies have shown that children as young as six months can suffer from night terrors on a weekly basis.
- Some people will outgrow night terrors naturally.
- Insomnia and bruxism (grinding of the teeth) are not symptoms but are often present simultaneously.
- It is possible to trigger a night terror simply by touching or attempting to awaken a person during stage 4 of sleep.
- Night terrors are not at all traumatic for the individual experiencing them. They are in fact sound asleep.
Triggers of Night Terrors
- Emotional tension
- Conflict
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Drug withdrawal
- Some medications
- Over-tiredness
- Eating a heavy meal before bed
- Illness
- Playing video games before bed
Since night terrors mostly occur within children these influences may offset a night terror:
- Loss of a favourite toy
- Overhearing a loud argument between parents
- Watching violent scenes on television
- Listening to frightening stories
How to Cope with Night Terrors
When handling a person or child experiencing a night terror there is still some debate. However, it is generally advised to make sure the individual cannot hurt himself. Dispose of anything nearby that could be harmful such as kitchen appliances, knives or electrical objects.
Do not make loud noises or try to grab the person. It is best not to shout or make threatening movements as this can enhance the fear that the individual is experiencing during sleep.
Hugging in some cases has helped, but in others, it has made it worse. Generally, a gentle approach is best where the night terror is allowed to develop and cease naturally.
It has been known that purely by the presence of a familiar person or favourite pet, the person experiencing the night terror has calmed down.
When trying to comfort the sleeper it is acceptable to say “I’m here for you” or “I love you” in a comforting tone. Do not say “It’s ok” or “There’s nothing there” as this can further agitate the sleeper. Guilleminault in 1994 further noted that one should not say “It is just a dream” as the individual is quite convinced that his experience is real and can again cause agitation.
Hypnosis has been shown to be thoroughly effective in the treatment of night terrors by Hurwitz in 1991. This is partly because unresolved issues can be discussed, but also allows deeper relaxation during sleep, which can stop the night terrors altogether.
If night terrors persist for more than six months in adulthood it is recommended to contact a GP so that a referral to a sleep clinic can be made.
Overall common sense and a caring, but perceptive approach is best when dealing with someone suffering from night terrors. Night terrors rarely bother the individual experiencing them, but for the watcher, it can be traumatic. As the watcher, allow the night terror to develop naturally and try to remember that the individual is not suffering at all even though it looks disturbing.
Always seek the advice of your doctor if there is any serious concern.
