What Causes Night Terrors in Children and How to Find Faith-Filled Help

Children who experience night terrors do not know they are experiencing an intense moment. This happens because night terrors in children occur when they are in the deepest stage of sleep. While night terrors are similar to nightmares, they are more intense for the child. There are times the child will go back to sleep and not be aware of the episode when they wake up.

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. – Psalm 3:3, ESV

Nightmare vs. Night Terror

Nightmares are frightening dreams that happen during the second half of the night. Sleep in this part of the night often includes the time when dreaming is more intense. Nightmares have been known to affect children beginning at a young age. They are most common between the ages of 3-12.

Common symptoms of nightmares:

• Screaming
• Kicking
• Fear

Common symptoms of night terrors:

• Uncontrollable crying
• Thrashing around coupled with kicking and screaming
• Confused look
• Push away parents/caregivers
• Don’t recognize parent/caregiver
• Sweating
• Shout out in distress
• Running from bed

Night Terror Causes

Children experiencing a night terror are not asleep, but they are not awake either. They may be able to get out of bed, walk, and talk, but they are not coherent. They will not remember the event when they wake up the next morning.

The causes of night terrors can be related to a history of night terrors in the family. They are most associated with emotional and psychological issues. There are no defined causes for night terrors, but there are contributing factors.

• Depression or anxiety
• Lack of sleep
• Stress
• Fever
• Too much caffeine
• Medications
• Anesthesia
• Sleeping away from home
• Sleep apnea
• Trauma

How to Help

Night terrors can be frightening to watch, but there are ways to help a child navigate the experience without being hurt. Some episodes last longer than 30 minutes.

It is vital to stay calm and remember the child isn’t aware of the situation. Parents have an instinct to wake the child, but it is recommended to let the episode play out. Waking the child can cause the episode to last longer. While it may seem like talking to them will help, they likely won’t respond since they are still sleeping.

Make sure that no force is being used to keep them safe if they are walking around the room. Trying to force them can cause harm since they are unaware of what is going on. Remove any sharp objects and close off access to stairs or doors.

It is also important to inform any caregiver, such as babysitters, that the child may experience night terrors. Give the person information about how to help and reassure them that the child will go back to sleep and not have any recollection of the situation.

Get Support for Night Terrors in Children

Night terrors are not the same as nightmares and should not be handled the same way. It is important to keep the child safe while allowing them to progress through the episode.

The causes of night terrors are not clearly defined, but visiting with a local Christian counselor can help you understand what is going on and how to help your child. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of the Christian counselors in our network.