Night Terrors

[scarymary48]

Does anyone else have a child who gets night terrors? Zac has been getting them more frequently lately. They are horrible things- his eyes open so he looks awake, and he arches his back, goes stiff and just screams and screams. The first time he did it we took him to an after hours doctor near the hospital because we thought he was having a fit. He screamed, and when Scott walked into the room Zac was laying on his tummy in his cot and looked like he was awake and couldn't get up on all fours. We know now that he wasn't trying to get up at all, he was just moving his arms and legs and arching his back, but at the time it looked like something awful was happening.

He had another one last night, and it just breaks my heart to see him screaming with this look of abject terror on his face and in his eyes, but he can't be comforted because even though he looks like he is awake and looking around, he is still sleeping. I've googled it and know all the facts, but I guess I'm hoping for some personal reassurance and maybe ways of dealing with them? I just feel so helpless :(

[mj512]

I had night terrors as a child. Pretty much the same thing as you are describing. Scared my parents to death. They took me to see the doctor and they gave me anti-seisure meds which gave me bad side affects so they took me off them and for whatever reason my night terrors stopped.

I was 1 1/2 - 2 years old when they happened. I am completely fine and while I do have very vivid dreams I have no harmful lasting affects from it :)

I wonder if his doctor would be helpful?

[CaseyK37]

My niece is ten and has night terrors. She wakes up frequently and usually cries and talks. She said "mommy and daddy" repeatedly and sometimes walks around. It is very bizarre to watch if you aren't familiarly with night terrors. She has been seen by doctors but they just say it is something that she will eventually grow out of.

My sister just comforts her when she wakes up. Redirects her back to bed and tells her she is right there. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do besides be there for him. I'm sure it is hard to see Zac like that and I hope they will pass soon. :sorry:

[Heywie]

That must be terrifying!!! I'm sorry your little man is going through them. I have no advice, but I hope it's just a phase and it will pass soon! *hugs*

[Nekochanpurr]

I'm sorry hes going through that. :( Poor baby.

My sis and i would get that a lot over a short period of time (maybe a yr?). My mom would wake up to both of us screaming, us both sitting up at the end of our bed, sitting up. o.o; On the floor. But we'd be asleep. There was only a little room between the bed and the dresser. o.o;

I also ended up with vivid movie like dreams but i am okay. :)