The sight of a peacefully sleeping baby is priceless for parents. The peace and innocence that comes from a sleeping child is priceless. But sometimes this peace and quiet can be disturbed by a nightmare or 'baby night terror', giving parents a real fright.
When a baby or toddler suddenly cries in the middle of the night and can't seem to calm down, it can be frightening. But don't worry, three to six percent of all children are affected by this sleep disorder, making it one of the most common waking disorders in childhood.
What exactly happens when babies and toddlers startle at night? How should you deal with night terrors and when does it make sense to take your little one to the pediatrician? We have answered these and other questions for you in the following article.
Pavor Nocturnus: night terrors in babies and children
Night terrors, also known as pavor nocturnus, are a nocturnal phenomenon that is particularly common in small children. This sleep disorder is known to throw parents into turmoil in the middle of the night. Most children are haunted by night terrors in the first third of the night.
Parasomnia most commonly occurs in the first two to three hours after falling asleep. Once the spook is over, most children don't even remember what happened.
Night terrors in toddlers and babies
Night terrors are a sleep disorder in which children wake up from a deep sleep in the first half of the night and appear to be extremely anxious or frightened.
It is not uncommon for the phenomenon to begin with a never-ending cry from the little one, as well as eye movements and other movements that are mostly uncontrolled.
It can be frightening for parents to see their child in such a state, but it is important to know that in most cases night terrors do not pose a serious danger to the child.
The phenomenon is related to the child's development, which is why night terrors primarily affect children between the ages of two and six.
The difference between nightmares and night terrors
Before we delve further into night terrors, it is important to understand the difference between a nightmare and a night terror. A nightmare is an intense dream that is often accompanied by fear or terror and usually occurs during REM sleep, which is the later stages of sleep.
Children can have nightmares that wake them up and frighten them, but they are usually responsive and can be comforted by their parents. In contrast, night terrors occur during the deep sleep phase, usually in the first two hours after falling asleep.
During a night terror, the child is unresponsive and appears to be in a state of confusion or fear and is disoriented. This can be frightening for parents as they cannot easily calm their child down.
It is not uncommon for your child to not even know what happened the next day, as they do not wake up properly and therefore have no memory of the event. This rarely causes any distress for the affected child.
Scientific background to night terrors
But what exactly is the night terror? To better understand night terrors, let's take a look at the scientific details to better understand what happens in your little one's body during a night terror. The night terrors are closely linked to the nervous system
During sleep, your little one goes through different sleep phases, including deep sleep. In this sleep phase, bodily functions such as breathing, heartbeat and pulse are at a minimum and the brain is in a deeper state of rest.
Sometimes it can happen that a child moves out of this deep sleep phase but does not fully wake up. In this semi-sleep state, parts of the central nervous system may become active while others remain inactive.
This leads to night terrors and sleepwalking, both of which are among the most common wake-up disorders.
Night terrors in older children
While night terrors are most common in babies and toddlers, they can also occur in older children, between the ages of two and six. However, night terrors may be less pronounced in older children as their nervous systems are more mature.
Overall, it is important to understand that night terr ors are in the context of a child's natural sleep phases and are not indicative of a serious problem or mental disorder. It is a temporary disorder that often disappears on its own as the child grows and develops.
Dealing with and preventing night terrors
Parents are often at a loss when confronted with their child's night terrors. It can be difficult to know how best to react.
Here are some steps that can help you deal with a night terror:
- Stay calm: The most important step is to stay calm yourself. Remember that night terrors are not dangerous in most cases. Your little one will calm down when they are ready and will not be harmed.
- Do not wake: Do not try to wake your child. Since he is in a deep sleep, he will be unresponsive and waking him may cause confusion.
- Safety measures: Make sure your child's environment is safe. This way you can prevent them from hurting themselves if they move around in their sleep.
- Wait patiently: Most night terrors only last a few minutes. Wait patiently until your child calms down on their own.
- Sleep hygiene: Ensure good sleep hygiene by establishing regular bedtimes and calming rituals to reduce the likelihood of sleep disturbances. Winding down in the evening can also help to prevent night terrors.
- Keep records: It can be helpful to keep a sleep log to identify patterns and triggers for night terrors. This can help you and the pediatrician to solve the problem if your little one is suffering.
When to see the pediatrician?
In most cases , night terrors in children are harmless and temporary. However, it is important to know when to consult a pediatrician to make sure that there are no other sleep disorders or health problems.
You should see a pediatrician if:
- your child's night terrors are constant and you are concerned about their sleep quality.
- the night terrors persist beyond the age of six.
- there are other symptoms or changes in your child's behavior that worry you.
The doctor can carry out further investigations and recommend treatment or intervention if necessary.
FAQ: Night terrors in babies
How does night terrors manifest in babies?
A night terror is usually manifested by sudden, panicked crying out of sleep. The baby appears frightened, often has its eyes open, but does not react to being spoken to or attempts to calm down. Physically, rapid breathing, sweating or restless movements may occur. After a few minutes, the child usually calms down by itself and does not remember it the next day.
At what age does night terrors start?
Night terrors most commonly occur in toddlers between the ages of two and six. In rare cases, younger babies can also be affected, especially if their nervous system is still very immature or severely overstimulated. As the brain develops, the night terrors usually disappear of their own accord.
Why does my baby have crying spells at night?
Night-time crying fits can have various causes. In addition to hunger, discomfort or fatigue, a night terror can also be the cause. The baby does not wake up completely, but is in an intermediate state of deep sleep and wakefulness. Stimuli, developmental spurts or a restless daily routine can promote such episodes.
Can babies have night terrors?
Yes, in rare cases infants can also have episodes similar to night terrors. However, these are much rarer than in infants. They are often caused by immature sleep phases or overstimulation rather than a classic night terror. If the episodes occur frequently or are very severe, this should be discussed with the pediatrician.
