Night terrors in children are a type of sleep disorder that can be caused by both physiological and psychological factors. Children may suddenly sit up, scream, cry, stare wide-eyed, and some may even talk to themselves in a way that others cannot understand. They may touch their mouths with their hands or point randomly, and some children may even get out of bed and walk around, appearing very anxious and fearful. They may also experience rapid breathing, increased heart rate, pale complexion, and sweating, but they have no response to their surroundings. The episode usually lasts for a few minutes and then the child goes back to sleep. This kind of episode is called a night terror, and if it occurs frequently, it is known as night terror disorder.
High-Risk Group
Night terrors are more common in children aged 4-10 years and usually disappear during adolescence. They can be triggered by excessive fatigue or stress, and getting enough sleep can help improve the situation.
Treatment
Avoid excessive excitement and fatigue during the day, establish a regular sleep schedule, and eliminate any factors that may disturb sleep. Medications such as benzodiazepines and clonazepam may be given, and there have been reports of the effectiveness of imipramine. Traditional Chinese massage can also be used to treat night terrors in children.
1. Heat type: The child cries while lying on their back, cries louder when exposed to light. Their face is reddish, their mouth is hot, they are restless and irritable, their body and abdomen feel warm, they produce more tears, have constipation, and their urine is short and red.
Treatment: Clear heat and calm the mind.
Prescription: Tianhe water, Pinggan, Qingwei, press the five finger joints.
2. Spleen-cold type: The child prefers to sleep in a prone position, cries while bending over, their cry is weak, their face is pale, their mouth is cold, their limbs are not warm, they experience abdominal pain that is relieved by warmth and pressure, they have loose stools, and their lips and tongue are pale.
Treatment: Warm the middle and dispel cold.
Prescription: Wailaogong, Bupi, Pinggan, press the five finger joints.
3. Frightened type: The child exhibits signs of fear, their face is pale, they are restless and alert during sleep, and they cry out suddenly.
Treatment: Calm the mind and reduce fright.
Prescription: Pinggan, Qingfei, Tianhe water, Xiaotianxin, press the five finger joints.
The Harm of Night Terrors in Children
During childhood, the nervous system and brain are not fully developed. The immature development of the inhibitory part of the central nervous system, especially the cerebral cortex that controls sleep and wakefulness, can have an impact on a child's sleep.
Prevention
First, eliminate external factors as mentioned above. Talk to the baby and make them laugh before bedtime. You can also play some relaxing music to help the baby relax and enjoy a peaceful sleep.
Second, when the baby wakes up at night, parents should immediately pat the baby and allow them to see their parents as soon as they open their eyes. This way, the baby will not cry or feel anxious.
