- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Terror in the Night
By Carma Haley
In most cases, treatment is not necessary for the management of sleep terrors. However, if a child has severe sleep terrors or the frequency of the episodes increases dramatically, it may be recommended that the child be placed on a mild sedative medication at bedtime.
"Typically, the episodes of sleep terrors go away on their own," says Sheldon. "There are cases when a child needed medical intervention and medication to manage the terrors, but these cases are few and far between. If the parent consults their pediatrician or has the child evaluated at a sleep disorders clinic, the stressors that influence a child's terrors will be identified offering a means of management."
Sheldon says the most important factors in the management of sleep terrors is protecting the child and remaining calm.
"Parents will see the event as horrifying," says Sheldon. "It may be horrifying to the parent, but the children are fine. Parents can help their children by ensuring they do not harm themselves when they walk or run around the house by using bells on doorknobs and safety gates. It is important that the parent remain calm and does not attempt to wake the child which could only make the episode worse and may cause it to last longer."
Sleep terrors can often scare parents. However, knowing what they are, what to do and not do can help parents not only understand the sleep terrors themselves but also deal with the occurrence properly.
"Education and understanding are the key," says Sheldon. "Ask questions; ask lots of questions. Once you know what your dealing with it can make the situation much easier on both you and the child."
