Remedies for Sleep Terrors in a 3 Year Old

A three-year-old or other young child experiencing sleep terror (or "night terror") appears to be having a standard nightmare. However, unlike a nightmare, children cannot easily awaken from sleep terror. A child undergoing this experience may even have his eyes open and appear to be awake, thrashing in terror all the while. While parents may find these episodes frightening to witness, they can take steps to alleviate them.

  1. Remove Possible Sources of Injury

    • In case the child falls out of bed, make sure the nearby environment is free of sharp corners and objects. Block staircases and lock windows and doors, as sleepwalking sometimes accompanies sleep terror. Children who experience sleep terror should never sleep in the top half of a bunk bed.

    Set an Earlier Bedtime

    • Fatigue can be a factor in the occurrence of sleep terrors. Make sure the child get enough sleep by making bedtime earlier.

    Create a Bedtime Routine

    • A calm and predictable routine can help a young child relax before bed. Try a bath, a story, or even relaxation exercises.

    Deal with Stress

    • A child who experiences sleep terrors may be dealing with stress. Ask the child if she is worried or upset and try to deal with the factors causing it.

    Keep Track of the Terrors

    • Start a log to record the time at which the child's terrors generally occur. If there is a pattern, try to wake the child about fifteen minutes before you predict a terror is about to start. Allow the child to return to sleep after five minutes.

    Stay Calm

    • If a child is experiencing a sleep terror, do not restrain or yell at him or her. Stay calm, speak soothingly, and recognize that the child will probably not wake up, even if his or her eyes are open. For most children, once the terror is over, it is forgotten.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Put a Child Asleep Without TV
      If your child has a habit of watching television while you put her younger siblings to bed or she falls asleep with the television on because thats just how shes always fallen asleep, you should consider changing this habit, suggests University of Mi
    • How many hours should kids sleep?
      The recommended amount of sleep for children varies by age. Heres a general guideline:Age | Hours of Sleep------- | --------Newborns (0-3 months) | 14-17 hoursInfants (4-11 months) | 12-15 hoursToddlers (1-2 years) | 11-14 hoursPreschoolers (3-5 year
    • What is the amount of sleep for children and adults?
      Heres a breakdown of recommended sleep durations for different age groups:Children:* Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours* Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours* Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours* Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours* School-aged childre