If your toddler suddenly screams in the middle of the night, it is probably a case of night terrors. While not ultimately dangerous, night terrors can be frightening for parents. These incidents, also called confusional arousals by professionals, occur in up to 15 percent of toddlers and preschoolers, according to pediatrician Alan Greene.
Night Terrors
Night terrors usually begin within 15 minutes of the onset of sleep, but they can occur at any time in the night. They are related to sleepwalking and involve a partial return to consciousness that doesn't bring the toddler fully awake. An episode usually starts with the child tossing and turning while moaning in his sleep. It can then progress to screams and thrashing. Unlike nightmares, a toddler usually doesn't remember his dream or act frightened after a night terror episode. In some cases, the child doesn't wake fully but instead falls back to sleep without fully arousing. Night terrors can last from a minute to 40 minutes, although 10 minutes is the average.
Reaction
While you might be tempted to wake and comfort your screaming child, it is better to let an episode of night terrors run its course. Sometimes your toddler will call out your name during a night terror episode, but he probably won't actually recognize you until he is fully awake. Attempts to cuddle or interfere with the episode can prolong it. Even trying to talk to your child can make the episode worse, so stay quiet until he wakes himself or falls back into deep sleep. Stand close to your toddler's crib or bed and watch him to make sure he doesn't harm himself while thrashing around, but don't touch him or speak to him unless he is putting himself in danger. If your child fully awakens, you can comfort him back to sleep.
Prevention
Night terrors are often associated with being overly tired, so the main method of prevention is making sure that your toddler gets enough rest. Put your toddler down for regular naps at the same time every day and set a reasonable bedtime for your child. Reduce any external stresses in your toddler's life, since stress can be a trigger. Illness also can lead to unusual sleep arousal, such as night terrors, so treat any health problems your toddler develops as quickly as possible.
Considerations
Night terrors usually last only a few weeks, although they might return during periods of intense stress or when your toddler is reaching a new developmental milestone. Recurrent sleep terror episodes could be linked to other sleep problems, such as sleep apnea, so discuss them with your child's pediatrician.
