Night terrors?

Kimmer123 · April 2011

G has been waking up 5 or 6 out of 7 nights with night terrors. They're awful. They usually last close to an hour and I have no idea what to do. It's one of the most heartbreaking things ever to listen to him cry for me and DH but not be able to do anything about it.

I know to leave him be and just make sure he doesn't hurt himself, and to not wake him up. We've tried to adjust his bedtime and nap schedule and we're trying to make the impending arrival of B a happy, positive experience. We make him a part of doing things like putting the swing together, adding furniture, doing baby laundry etc.

I need to get a sick visit with his pedi tomorrow, so I'll ask then but I thought I might be able to get some advice here too.

BritanyV · April 2011

Yeah, bad mom here...didn't realize that is what ds is having. Embarrassed It doesn't happen very often here so it really never dawned on me what exactly was happening.

I just did some "Dr. Google" on the subject and found a few things you can try.

If it seems to be happening around the same time every night or around the same amount of time after he has fallen asleep, to wake him up about 15 to 20 minutes before that time and then get him back to sleep. I guess if you have a kid that can't easily go back to sleep, then this might not work but I understand the suggestion after reading about night terrors.

One site suggested lavender scents and playing soft music (like classical) in the room. Some suggested chamomile and other herbs, but I don't know if I would do those unless I've cleared it with a dr first.

Has he been getting less sleep than normal? Some suggest that lack of sleep or being overtired can cause them.

I did find on Web MD that they suggest if a child under 3-1/2 is having more than 1 night terror a week that you should seek medical care. I'm glad you are going to be taking him to the doctor tomorrow because 5-6 nights does sound like a lot.

Good luck! I hope you can find something to help him not get these as often!

savannah11 · April 2011

We went through these when O was the same age as G. It was awful. The first time it happened I didn't know what was going on and I almost dialed 911. I couldn't figure out why he didn't seem to see me at all until I realized he was still asleep.

We found that it usually happens when he is overtired, like he skipped a nap, or got to bed late. We would just sit in the room with him and watch. Actually, I made DH watch because I couldn't stand to sit there and listen to O scream, "Dad help me!" He had a really bad one 6 months ago where he was screaming, "Mom, the man is coming! No!" and holding out his hand. That was freaky.

Anyway, I don't really have any words of wisdom other than don't touch him or it will last longer. I think it's normal for the age and he will likely grow out of it. O almost never has one now.

CareBear01 · April 2011

This gives me chills! I can't imagine having to go through that as a parent!

MrsMGR · April 2011

This happens to Joe every few months. It is terrible and I totally feel your pain. I don't have any real advice on the subject except it seems to happen to Joe when he isn't getting enough sleep. Has G been sleeping well?

ayersfam20 · April 2011

I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. I haven't had the experience with my kids, but I used to have night terrors as a child. I had them from probably ages 4-6. I still remember being terrified that the furniture was growing or thinking that the house was on fire.

According to my Mom, nothing would help and she would just hold me in her bed until it stopped. I outgrew it eventually. It also coincided with my bladder reflux issues, so perhaps that was halfway waking me up at night and causing them.

I hope it passes soon, poor little guy!

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