• What is it? Night terrors?
• Which Caused did he?
• How can you avoid night terrors? prevent?
• How can you do that? Help child?

Does the child wake up at night? full of panic parents often have to deal with fear themselves. After all, it is very unusual for the child to suddenly start thrashing around in dismay, shaking and screaming. The phenomenon of Night terrors are not uncommon in children. Here you can find out what is behind this type of sleep disorder, how you can deal with it and what measures can help to prevent night terrors.

Night terrors: definition and symptoms

Nighttime anxiety attacks are common in children harmless. As a parent, you don’t have to worry too much at first. The night terrors are also medical Pavor nocturnus called. The phenomenon usually occurs between second and that seventh year of life. It is estimated that around one in three toddlers experiences nighttime anxiety attacks, making night terrors one of the most common most widespread Sleep disorders in children are heard.

The night terror is called the so-called Parasomnias assigned. This refers to unwanted actions or movements that occur when falling asleep, sleeping or waking up. The phenomenon is mostly seen as strong Sweat, Heart palpitations and trembling accompanied. In addition to being startled, night terrors typically also manifest themselves eyes wide open and a Scream.

Only very rarely can it at adults have a night terror. Only about two percent of people experience night terrors as adults. When night terrors arise, play here Stress, sleep deprivation and Infections a significant role. Also alcohol could according to a study by John M. Rumbold play a role. If you, as an adult, experience frequent night terrors and suffer from them, you should seek medical help.

Causes of night terrors

But what actually happens to them? nighttime anxiety attacks? For that, take a look at this Nervous system necessary, which the Sleep-wake rhythm controls. Since the nervous system of preschool children is not yet fully developed, they are particularly often affected. During a night terror, children may appear awake; However, according to studies using electroencephalography (EEG) not fully awake. The brain waves have characteristics similar to both the sleeping state and the waking state. Accordingly, the children do not perceive their environment as correct. Usually knowledge She too after waking up nothing more from the night terrors.

The pavor nocturnus arises predominantly in the deep sleep; i.e. the phase in which we dream least and are hardest to wake up. During sleep, phases of wakefulness, light sleep, deep sleep and dream sleep alternate. How long a cycle lasts depends on the age of the child. Deep sleep usually occurs in the first half of the night on. Apparently night terrors occur when… transition from deep sleep to dream sleep is not possible.

Which mechanisms The details behind the night terrors have not yet been finally clarified. What is clear, however, is that it is the special phase of brain development that makes preschool children particularly susceptible to pavor nocturnus. It cannot be clearly explained why some children are plagued by anxiety attacks and others are not. However, there are some risk factors, including probably the Genes. Does the child have parents who have ever experienced night terrors themselves? sleepwalkingthe risk is increased. Further favored acute stress the night awakening.

Prevention and proper handling of night terrors

Um a night terror to prevent, are therefore regular bedtimes as well enough sleep important. To reduce tension, you as a parent can also talk to your child Relaxation techniques practice, for example autogenic training. Of course, this only works after a certain age. There are also other factors such as: Fever, which can promote night terrors.

If a night terror does happen, as a parent you should do as much as possible stay calm. Always keep in mind that your child is not awake. It is not in any distress and therefore does not need any real help. What you can do, however, is for your child to be there and him gently to persuade. If he gets up, you should slowly guide him back to bed. The sleep doctor Patrizia Kutz explains spectrumthe quicker the episode goes by fewer the parents with the child interact. You should not try to wake the child. Otherwise, it could become even more frightened and perceive you as an attacker. After about 15 minutes Night terrors usually end on their own.

The Pavor nocturnus usually grows himself out of. The anxiety attacks usually end when the brain and nervous system trained are. You should only see a doctor if you have night terrors very often occurs. This means multiple anxiety attacks per night. You should also speak to a pediatrician if your night terrors are unusual second half of the night occurs. As a parent, it is advisable to avoid noticeable anxiety attacks film. This makes it easier for the doctor to make the correct diagnosis.

Night terrors are not uncommon

Night terrors, medically called Pavor nocturnus, occur in children aged 10 and over 2 to 7 years not uncommon and most of the time harmless. The nighttime anxiety attacks are accompanied by trembling, racing heart, wide-open eyes and screaming. Adults very rarely experience night terrors.

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During a night terror the child is not fully awakeand the attacks usually end on their own. It is believed that genetic factors and stress promote the occurrence. Regular sleep, relaxation techniques and appropriate bedtimes can preventive works. Parents should during a night terror quiet Stay, gently put the child back to bed and do not try to wake him. If it occurs very frequently or at an unusual time, a doctor should be consulted.

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