Imagine you’re deep in slumber when suddenly, you’re jolted awake by the sound of your child moaning. It’s not a scream but an urgent call for help. You rush to find him trembling, his body icy and drenched in sweat, completely disoriented yet aware of your presence. This is a night terror.
My son experienced his first night terror at just five years old. He wandered into my room while I was watching TV, having been in a deep sleep for a couple of hours. He appeared to be asleep—eyes shut, yet his body was moving as if awake. I called his name, but there was no response. Panic set in, and I called my husband for help. I was terrified, unsure of what to do.
Thinking he was just having a nightmare, we attempted to wake him, but he pushed our hands away. His cold, sweaty body was alarming. I was completely unprepared and worried he might be having a seizure. As the episode continued, my concern grew, but just as suddenly as it started, it ended, and he began to wake up.
It was as if he was emerging from anesthesia. He was groggy, his heartbeat slowing, and his fists unclenching. I stroked his hair and face, feeling both protective and heartbroken. When we asked about his nightmare, he had no recollection. That was unsettling.
Merriam-Webster defines a nightmare as “a frightening dream that usually awakens the sleeper,” but this felt far more intense. After getting him back to bed, I frantically searched online to understand what had happened to my sweet boy. The Mayo Clinic described it well: “Sleep terrors are episodes of screaming, intense fear and flailing while still asleep. Also known as night terrors, sleep terrors often are paired with sleepwalking.” It was evident that this was an undesirable experience.
The next night, I was on high alert, following expert advice to ensure he had a calm bedtime routine. I stayed up late, waiting for him to wander into my room again, but thankfully, it didn’t happen. I hoped it was a one-off incident, but weeks later, I heard him screaming in the middle of the night. This time was different; he began speaking gibberish while shaking uncontrollably. It was heartbreaking.
During the terror, his eyes fluttered open and shut, as though he was trapped in a dream. He rubbed his face, seemingly trying to awaken himself. I attempted to soothe him, but nothing worked; I just had to wait it out. Once it was over, I returned him to bed, praying it wouldn’t happen again, but it did.
When a terror strikes, I bring him to my bed, hoping to comfort him. He writhes, unable to find peace. My husband and I try to hold him, but he’s difficult to pin down. It’s unsettling, and I can feel his confusion. Then, as quickly as it begins, it ends. He wakes up slowly, confused about his surroundings, hugs me, and tells me he loves me, returning to sleep as if nothing occurred. For him, it’s like nothing happened.
For me, however, it’s emotionally draining to witness my child suffer in this way. The helplessness of not being able to stop it is overwhelming. Our pediatrician reassured us that he would eventually outgrow it, which brought me a little comfort. After all, even in his sleep, he seeks out his mom.
Night terrors are a real phenomenon and can be a normal part of childhood development. They will one day cease, but until then, I will always be there to cradle him, stroke his head, and shower him with love. Until the next incident, I’ll continue to wish him sweet dreams. If you’re interested in related topics, you might enjoy this post on home insemination or check out Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination kit, which is a great resource for those looking to start a family. For more information on fertility methods, see this excellent resource on in vitro fertilisation.
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Summary:
Night terrors can be a distressing experience for both children and parents. The episodes are often confusing and alarming, with children exhibiting signs of fear and disorientation. While they are a common part of child development, the emotional toll on parents can be significant. As children grow, these episodes generally subside, but until then, parents remain a source of comfort during these challenging times.
Keyphrase: night terrors in children
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