HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What To Do For Night Terrors?

my son has been having night terrors for 2 months every night. We have tried scheduled awakenings but that seems to delay the onset of night terrors. he is currently undergoing psychotherapy...we did see a sleep therapist who prescribed clonipin so he doesnt hurt himself... and I do not want to hear this is normal...because waking up every night for two months is not normal..my question is whether his diet could be a contributing factor. We are going to try giving him b-1 and b12 or b complex vitamins. W e have even walked him through the terror telling him to standup to the fear.
Tue, 1 Aug 2017
Report Abuse
Neurologist 's  Response
Hello:

The first thing I suggest is looking for diagnosis confirmation. Night terrors must be differentiated from epilepsy, this can be done with an electroencephalogram or polysomnography. The latter is done in a Sleep Medicine Laboratory and monitors breathing, heartbeat, muscle tone and brain waves; so it will show us the sleep phase when the event is occurring, and also will show if your son is having epileptic activity. If that is so, he will need another approach, and might need antiepileptic medications as carbamazepine or valproic acid.

If the study confirms Night Terrors, you can adjust the clonazepam dosage, or use anti depressive drug as Paroxetin, imipramine or amitryptiline trying to control them. i do not think the diet is a contributing factor, nonetheless is better for him to eat healthy and avoid big meals beafore going to sleep. Apply sleep hygiene measures: do not let him watch TV, use tablet or cellphone before going to sleep; do not let him drink cola or caffeinated drinks, let him exercise (up to 2 h before going to sleep). I suggest consulting with a Sleep Medicine Neurologist for a complete assessment.

I hope this helps. If there is something else I can help you with, or if you have any doubt, please let me know.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Sleep disorder


Loading Online Doctors....
What To Do For Night Terrors?

Hello: The first thing I suggest is looking for diagnosis confirmation. Night terrors must be differentiated from epilepsy, this can be done with an electroencephalogram or polysomnography. The latter is done in a Sleep Medicine Laboratory and monitors breathing, heartbeat, muscle tone and brain waves; so it will show us the sleep phase when the event is occurring, and also will show if your son is having epileptic activity. If that is so, he will need another approach, and might need antiepileptic medications as carbamazepine or valproic acid. If the study confirms Night Terrors, you can adjust the clonazepam dosage, or use anti depressive drug as Paroxetin, imipramine or amitryptiline trying to control them. i do not think the diet is a contributing factor, nonetheless is better for him to eat healthy and avoid big meals beafore going to sleep. Apply sleep hygiene measures: do not let him watch TV, use tablet or cellphone before going to sleep; do not let him drink cola or caffeinated drinks, let him exercise (up to 2 h before going to sleep). I suggest consulting with a Sleep Medicine Neurologist for a complete assessment. I hope this helps. If there is something else I can help you with, or if you have any doubt, please let me know.