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Night Terrors For Kid, Making Sounds, Sweating. Problem?
About 2 weeks ago my 4 year old toddler started shaking at night after a few hours of being asleep. He seemed like he was having a nightmare, he would sit up on his bed and start shaking almost as if he was to be cold only it wasn't cold, it was actually hot. He would be making weird noises like he was complaining of something, I even noticed that he had his eyes open, I would call his name to see if he would respond, and no response. He did that about three nights in a row. I took his to his pediatrition, she said it was most likely night terrors, nothing to be concerned about. He did stop for a day or two, but then again he started with the same incidents, only this time I also noticed that his pillow was drenched in sweat, this has been going on and off now at nights.
Fri, 19 Jul 2013
User's Response
Dr. Balaji Bharadwaj,
Psychiatrist's Response
Psychiatrist's Response
Night terrors are seen in children of this age.
It is uncomfortable for the parents to see their child suffer from night terrors.
You can avoid over-stimulation of the child: watching TV or social interactions in the evening hours (after 5 pm) should be avoided. Make a note of what events during the day are likely to cause these episodes (eg: going out to the market etc). Avoid stimulants like chocolates and chocolate drinks especially after 5 pm.
You might try to note how many hours after going to bed do these events occur Usually they occur within 2 hours of going to sleep. You can try awakening your child about 15 minutes prior to the expected event and then put him to sleep.
This method is easier in adolescents and children over 7 or 8 years of age. In a 4 year old child it may cause some crankiness when you wake the child up from sleep. You may have to do it gently.
It is uncomfortable for the parents to see their child suffer from night terrors.
You can avoid over-stimulation of the child: watching TV or social interactions in the evening hours (after 5 pm) should be avoided. Make a note of what events during the day are likely to cause these episodes (eg: going out to the market etc). Avoid stimulants like chocolates and chocolate drinks especially after 5 pm.
You might try to note how many hours after going to bed do these events occur Usually they occur within 2 hours of going to sleep. You can try awakening your child about 15 minutes prior to the expected event and then put him to sleep.
This method is easier in adolescents and children over 7 or 8 years of age. In a 4 year old child it may cause some crankiness when you wake the child up from sleep. You may have to do it gently.
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