Night Terrors
... sleeper is hard to awaken and usually remembers no more than an overwhelming feeling or a single scene, if anything. Throughout the night terror his or her "mind" remains asleep, whereas the "body" looks somehow awake and facial expressions are very emotional. The person might raise up from bed with their eyes wide open but will just look right through you. Generally these episodes last from 10 minutes to an hour. It will be difficult to reassure someone who is having a Night Terror and they may try to run away or push away those trying to console. The biggest difference is that Night Terrors tend to occur in younger children and are usually outgrown by the end of primary school age. Nightmares and night terrors arise from different physiological stages of sleep. Night terrors have their roots in a number of causes. Stress plays a big role in bringing about this sleeping disorder. Not getting enough sleep can also be a factor. Children and families who have a history of bed wetting, sleep walking and/or talking in their sleep may be at a greater risk to night terrors. Other causes of night terrors can be a reaction to medication, food and drink before bedtime, interruption of routine, and developmental changes. Can they be prevented? Well the answer is yes. For nightmares before bedtime you want to try to ensure activities that have a calming effect, like if your child has been having nightmares try reading a book with them. Try to avoid watching exciting videos or doing anything vigorous prior to bed. For Night Terrors it is important to make sure you have a regular be...