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Home › Articles › Development › Could Your Child Be Having Night Terrors?

Could Your Child Be Having Night Terrors?

Handling Night Terrors and Putting Your Fears to Rest

By Laurie Dove

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The difference between night terrors and nightmares is simple, Dr. Saskin says. With night terrors, the child has an active body and sleeping brain. With nightmares, the opposite is true, enabling the child to recount a nightmare and welcome reassurance from parents.

Is it a night terror?
  • "Active body, sleeping brain."
  • Child does not remember anything about the event.
  • Will not respond or react if parents try to console.
  • Usually occurs two to three hours after bedtime.
  • Becomes agitated or violent if awakened.
  • Can move arms and legs to act out imagined fear.
  • Child is active and out of bed; parents must remove dangerous obstacles.
  • Improves/disappears when sleep cycle matures.

Is it a nightmare?
  • "Active brain, sleeping body."
  • Child remembers the event.
  • Welcomes parents' loving reassurance.
  • Usually occurs in the middle or latter part of the night.
  • Relieved to be awakened, begins to calm down.
  • Temporary muscle paralysis prevents arm or leg movements.
  • Child is not active and parents do not have to remove dangerous obstacles.
  • May continue throughout the child's life.

Toddler Terrors, Infant Anxiety?
Although little research has been done on the subject, some sleep experts believe not only toddlers but infants are affected by night terrors.

For Indianapolis, Ind., stay-at-home mom, Krista J. Monson, her 5-month-old daughter's sudden screaming fits occurring in the middle of a deep sleep have become commonplace.

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