Night terrors, especially when you first encounter them, can be distressing and one of the bigger hurdles for some unlucky parents who are probably already grappling with other toddler sleep issues.
While thankfully they usually disappear by the time children turn six, it is estimated only six per cent or less of all toddlers experience them. Regardless, all parents should be prepared as night terrors should actually be treated differently to the more common nightmares.
How can you tell the difference? If your toddler is having a night terror they'll suddenly become very agitated, look panicked, possibly sitting or standing up, shaking and loudly crying or screaming. While they are actually still deeply sleeping, your toddler may actually open their eyes. The entire terror may be over within minutes, but some terrors might actually be sustained, lasting over half an hour.
Thankfully, night terrors don't hurt your child and, unlike nightmares, they won't remember them in the morning. It is believed night terrors are a natural occurrence, which happen as children develop and mature. Also, toddlers usually have night terrors within the first few hours of sleep whereas nightmares will usually take place in the second half of a night of sleep.
If your child is having night terrors, do not try and wake them as they will only be confused and disorientated. As they may be active, the best thing to do is ensure they are unable to physically hurt themselves. Help them back into bed until they have settled down. Though night terrors may be regular and will naturally impinge on your own sleep, try to remember that they won't last forever and don't become frustrated with your child.
With nightmares, children will often be upset when the wake and therefore will find it more difficult to sleep following one. They will become better able to distinguish dreams from reality as they get older however, making it easier for them and you as time goes on. Also they should actually occur less frequently with age.
Remind your child they are safe and encourage them with pleasant thoughts with their eyes closed. If they want to discuss it with you, let them and use the opportunity to reinforce the idea that it is only a dream. Additionally, try your best to limit any disturbing pictures or videos that may affect them and their dreams.
It's important to make sure that recurring dreams are not the result of things that are disturbing them in their everyday lives but generally speaking, reassurance and an explanation that "it is only a nightmare" are the best ways to help them through what can be a very upsetting experience. To put things into a more realistic experience, explain to your toddler that some things are merely make believe - and the concept of creatures and monsters do not exist in real life. If you begin to suspect that there are deeper roots to their upsetting dreams, gently quiz them about things that are affecting them. If that fails and they continue to be disturbed, professional advice can help.
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