Remedies For Sleep Terrors

If sleep terrors interfere with daily life, treatment may be necessary.

Night terrors are different from nightmares. According to the New York Times Health Guide, nightmares occur in early morning hours and involve dreams the person remembers. Night terrors interrupt the deep sleep cycle and the person may not remember them. Stress, lack of sleep and emotional conflict may be causes of night terrors, which are most common in children but can afflict adults. While the condition usually isn't serious and goes away on its own, some remedies may ease it.

Reassurance

If a child suffers night terrors, the Mayo Clinic advises parents to keep a sleep diary, recording what hour of night the terrors usually start. The adult can then wake the child 15 minutes before time and talk to her in a reassuring way until she falls asleep again. The clinic also advises parents to make sure the bedroom is safe, as children in the grip of night terrors may react physically and unpredictably. Keep sharp objects away from the bed and don't let the child sleep on the top mattress of a bunk bed.

Sleep Hygiene

As fatigue may be a contributing factor to night terrors--whether they occur in a child or adult--the sufferer should try to get more sleep. The bedroom should be a calm, relaxing environment designed only for sleep. Televisions, computers, work desks and other gadgets may cause over-stimulation and don't belong in the bedroom. The sufferer should avoid caffeine after lunch and should try not to engage in overly stimulating activities before bedtime.

Treatment

If other remedies don't work and the night terrors cause persistent problems, the sufferer may need psychotherapy. According to the New York Time Health Guide, medications in the benzodiazepine family, including diazepam, may help if the sufferer takes them at bedtime, but drugs are rarely necessary.

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