Sleep Terrors & Night Time Waking

What are sleep terrors:

Sleep terrors can occur as a toddler and in early primary school years. They occur when the child is in between waking and sleeping in their stage IV sleep cycle.

Both the waking and sleeping systems are trying to gain control at the same time hence the appearance of confusion and possible fright throughout the episode.

Partial waking’s are a normal part of our sleep cycle and is something we do each night multiple times. They occur at the end of each deep non-REM sleep cycle.

Possible causes:

• Being overtired

• Hereditary (biological factors may contribute)  

• May occur more frequently if your child is unwell

How to help:

• Maintaining a regular sleep ritual

• Setting a bedtime that allows your child to fall asleep quickly

• Relaxation prior to sleep with a calm meditation or music may help

• Always allow the episode to run its course and don’t try to wake the child as this may prolong the episode.

• Your child is not aware and is unable to be comforted so just ensure they are safe

• Be careful not to make a big deal the following day as they may become anxious about bedtime