Sometimes referred to as “sleep terrors,” night terrors are a type of parasomnia that can cause someone to scream, cry, breathe heavily, have an increased heart rate, sweat, stare, sit up in bed, thrash around, or wave their arms and legs. It can be difficult to wake someone who’s experiencing night terrors, and they may be confused and hard to comfort when they do wake up. Although night terrors typically resolve within a few minutes, they can sometimes last longer, and the person often has no memory of the episode the following morning.
Treatment for night terrors often focuses on resolving the underlying issue:
- Fatigue – It may seem counterintuitive, but in many cases, sleeping more can help get rid of night terrors. You may want to try going to bed earlier or taking a short nap during the day.
- Stress – If your night terrors stem from stress or anxiety, try implementing a calming nighttime routine. For example, before going to bed, you can take a warm bath, meditate, perform breathing exercises, or read a book. Attending therapy may also help address the issues that are causing you stress in the first place.
- Sleep schedule changes – An inconsistent sleep schedule can contribute to night terrors, so try to go to sleep at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning.
In rare cases, night terror treatment may require taking medication to help you sleep. An experienced provider can recommend the approach that’s best suited to your needs.
Do You Struggle With Night Terrors?
If night terrors have become a common occurrence in your life, we may be able to help. Our team has extensive experience treating night terrors, and we understand the heavy toll that they can take on a person’s life. We also know that every situation is different, and once we’ve learned about your specific circumstances, we’ll develop a treatment plan that’s customized to your individual needs. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule a consultation.
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