Imagine this: you’re deep in sleep when you’re suddenly awakened by the sound of your child moaning. It’s not a scream, but there’s an urgency in his voice that tells you he needs you. You rush to him, only to discover he’s trembling; his body feels ice cold yet he’s sweating profusely, lost in confusion. This is what a night terror looks like.
My son experienced his first night terror at just five years old. He wandered into my room while I was watching television, still in a deep sleep after a couple of hours. When he appeared at the door, his eyes were closed, and he seemed completely unaware of his surroundings, yet his body was moving as if he were awake. I called his name, but there was no response, and panic set in. I quickly ran to get my partner, unsure of what to do.
Thinking it might just be a bad dream, we tried to wake him, but he pushed our hands away. The contrast of his cold skin and the sweat was alarming. Lacking knowledge on the subject, I feared he might be having a seizure. As the episode dragged on, our concern intensified, until, just as abruptly as it began, it ceased and he began to wake up.
He emerged from this episode like someone coming out of anesthesia—groggy but slowly returning to normal. I stroked his hair, feeling as if I was comforting a little baby again. When we asked him about the nightmare, he was completely clueless. That realization added to my fear.
Merriam-Webster describes a nightmare as “a frightening dream that usually awakens the sleeper,” but this was something entirely different. After settling him back to bed, I immediately turned to my phone to search for answers about what had just happened to my little one.
The first source I found was the Mayo Clinic, which described sleep terrors as “episodes of screaming, intense fear, and flailing while still asleep.” Also known as night terrors, these episodes can sometimes accompany sleepwalking and are classified as parasomnias—unwanted occurrences during sleep. Typically lasting from seconds to a few minutes, these episodes can indeed feel prolonged.
The next night, I was prepared. Following expert advice, I ensured he had a calm bedtime routine. I stayed awake too long, anticipating another episode, but nothing happened. Days turned into weeks, and I hoped it was a one-time event—until I heard him screaming again in the middle of the night.
This episode was different. After the screams subsided, he began uttering gibberish while his body shook uncontrollably. My heart ached watching him struggle. His eyes fluttered open and closed as if trapped in a dream, and his little hands rubbed his face, trying to wake himself up. I attempted to calm him, but I could only wait for it to pass. Once it ended, I tucked him back in, praying it wouldn’t happen again, yet it continued.
During these episodes, I always bring him into my bed, trying to provide comfort. He flails, unable to find solace. My partner and I try to hold him, but he’s difficult to keep still. It’s not violent, but it’s deeply unsettling to witness.
Suddenly, the episode ends, and he gradually regains awareness, wondering where he is. He hugs me, whispers that he loves me, and falls back into a peaceful sleep, completely unaware of what just transpired. For him, it’s as if nothing occurred.
On the other hand, I am left feeling emotionally and physically drained. Watching my child endure this is a nightmare in itself, compounded by the fact that I feel utterly powerless to help. The most challenging aspect is knowing that there’s no guaranteed way to prevent these occurrences. Despite limiting scary media and keeping him on a strict sleep schedule, our pediatrician reassured us that he will eventually outgrow them. Still, it brings me some comfort to know that even in his subconscious state, he seeks his momma.
Night terrors are real and can be a normal part of child development. One day, they will cease. Until then, I’ll be there to hold him, stroke his head, and shower him with love. And until the next episode strikes, I will always wish him sweet dreams. If you’re looking for more information, feel free to check out this related blog post.
Search Queries:
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Summary:
Night terrors can be a distressing experience for both children and parents. The article describes the emotional and physical toll of witnessing a child’s night terror, including their disorientation and confusion. Despite the challenges, the author expresses a commitment to supporting their child through these episodes, highlighting the importance of understanding and comforting their little one during this difficult phase of development.