Nachtschreck What to do if the child frightens in panic at night?

Nachschreck seizures are dramatic, but are usually harmless

Sleep problems are not uncommon among children, and most parents know them in one form or another. However, some sleep disorders are quite frightening and cause concern for the parents. These include, for example, the so-called night terrors seizures. Affected children wake up in panic screaming and initially awake, but are not receptive and often do not recognize their parents. After a few minutes, the spook is over and the children continue to sleep normally.

Although the symptoms of the night-terror attacks (also Pavor nocturnus) are quite dramatic, the sleep disorder is "usually not questionable and passes by itself", so the professional association of the pediatricians (BVKJ) in a recent communication. However, if this sleep disturbance lasts longer or affects older children, a more detailed examination is needed to rule out psychiatric illnesses or other causes.

Sleep disturbances in the form of night terrors are quite common in children and often cause concern among their parents. (Image: Sergey Nivens / fotolia.com)

Enigmatic forms of sleep disorders

The spectrum of sleep disorders includes some particularly enigmatic complaints, such as the REM sleep disorder, in which people cry in their sleep and beat wildly. The Pavor nocturnus is one of these mysterious forms of sleep disorders, which also often occurs together with sleepwalking. "During the night terrors, small children frighten about one or two hours after falling asleep - always in the first half of the night - panic and screaming, often make defensive hand movements and often do not seem to recognize the parents," says dr. Monika Niehaus, pediatrician and member of the expert panel of the BVKJ. The next day, children usually can not remember anything.

Night terrors seizure lasts up to 15 minutes

According to the BVKJ, around a third of small children are affected by the nightmare, whereby at the age of about one and a half years a climax of this so-called "arousal disorder" is reached. The nocturnal attack took about five to fifteen minutes and the children were meanwhile not awake and receptive. Nevertheless, the parents should "quietly and reassuringly persuade their child," Dr. Monika Niehaus.

Prevention is needed

According to the BVKJ, to avoid night-anxiety, good sleep hygiene can contribute to a low-stimulus environment before going to bed. This includes, for example, no television or the use of screens such as tablets about an hour before bedtime. Even dim lighting and a regular ritual, such as a bedtime story before going to bed, have a positive effect on the BVKJ. Loud noises should be avoided before going to bed, and if the child wishes it, a weak night light may remain on, Dr. Niehaus.

In case of doubt, seek medical help

If there is any uncertainty as to whether a child is suffering from a night terrors, parents can film their child during a seizure by mobile phone and show it to a pediatrician, in order to make a professional assessment possible, so the reference of the BVKJ. Ideally also the time of going to bed and the time of the Pavor nocturnus are recorded. If necessary, further examinations may be required subsequently to rule out other causes of the symptoms, such as latent epilepsy. (Fp)