Sleep terror disorder, also known as night terrors or Pavor nocturnus, affects a relatively large number of children between the ages of 3 and 7. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, experts are uncertain of the exact causes of the condition, but several possible factors can trigger night terror episodes. While most children with night terrors need only reassurance, severe cases may warrant treatment with other techniques.
Sleep Deprivation
Chronic and short-term sleep deprivation are among the most common triggers for night terrors, according to MayoClinic.com. If your child suffers from night terrors on a regular basis, ensure that he is getting adequate levels of restful sleep each night. Keep his bedroom dark and quiet, and minimize any distractions or changes in his sleep routine. On rare occasions, a pediatrician may recommend benzodiazepine medications to temporarily sedate a child with severe, persistent insomnia and night terrors.
Anxiety
Stress and anxiety play a role in night terrors. Your child might develop night terrors during an emotionally difficult time, such as separation from a parent or the beginning of a new school year. According to MayoClinic.com, healthcare providers may recommend counseling or psychotherapy to children who suffer from night terrors, particularly when the sleep disorder relates to anxiety disorders or emotional stress.
Medical Conditions
MayoClinic.com notes that night terrors can be a symptom of an underlying physical or neurological disorder. Sleep apnea, fever, epilepsy, migraine and thyroid disease can cause sleep terrors in children with few or no other symptoms. A healthcare provider may diagnose these conditions while investigating the causes of a young child's night terrors. In these cases, a physician will treat the sleep terrors by addressing the underlying illness.
