Pavo Nocturnus, also known as night terrors, wakes everyone in the house. When your child experiences night terrors, she will be startled from sleep and will scream or cry. Breathing and heart rate will become erratic, her eyes will be open, but it’s unlikely she will remember the episode. All she will know is that she woke up frightened.
The first third of the sleep cycle is when sleep terrors occur and your child is in a deep sleep during this time. Research has found that instead of moving into the next stage of sleep or waking, your child is stuck in between stages. Night terrors occur in 15% of toddlers. They can be caused because the child is overtired or because her sleep cycle was interrupted.
Night terrors can be dangerous because children are so frightened they jump out of bed and do things that are totally out of character. Research has not found a definite cause for night terrors, but it’s been found that sleep apnea is often present in children who experience them. Have your child assessed by a sleep specialist to rule out sleep apnea. She should also visit her pediatrician to rule out neurological disorders, physical problems and to have medication prescribed for the disorder.
Sleepwalking
Does your child walk in his sleep? Though the disorder is usually mild, it can be very dangerous if it happens regularly or if the episode is intense. Remove all dangerous objects from her room and lock all of the windows.
Have your child assessed by a sleep specialist who may prescribe medications or recommend a consistent cycle of sleep and wakefulness.