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Understanding Night Terrors in Toddlers
Learn what causes night terrors in toddlers, how to recognise them, and gentle, parent-friendly tips to help soothe and reduce episodes at night.
Understanding Night Terrors in Toddlers
What Are Night Terrors?
At What Age Do Night Terrors Usually Occur?
How to Recognise Night Terrors
What Causes Night Terrors in Toddlers?
What to Do During Night Terror
Night Terrors vs. Nightmares
How to Reduce Night Terrors
When Could Night Terrors Signal an Underlying Issue?
Seeing your toddler wake suddenly in the night, screaming or appearing frightened, can be distressing for any parent. While night terrors can look alarming, they are relatively common in young children and are not usually harmful. Most toddlers who experience night terrors will outgrow them naturally over time.
This guide explains what night terrors are, why they happen, and how parents can respond calmly and safely. It draws on guidance from trusted medical and sleep-health sources and is intended to offer reassurance and practical, parent friendly support.
Please note: This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned about your child’s sleep or wellbeing, consult a healthcare professional.
Understanding Night Terrors in Toddlers
Night terrors are a type of sleep disturbance that can be upsetting to witness but are rarely a cause for concern. During an episode, a child may appear frightened or distressed, yet they are not fully awake and are usually unaware of what is happening.
Importantly, night terrors are not caused by emotional insecurity or anything a parent has done wrong. They are linked to how a child’s developing brain moves through different stages of sleep and are considered a normal part of development for some children. They are not usually harmful, and with some gentle sleep-support practices many toddlers outgrow them.
What Are Night Terrors?
Night terrors also known as sleep terrors are a type of parasomnia, meaning an unusual behaviour that occurs during sleep.
They differ from nightmares in several important ways:
- Night terrors occur during deep non-REM sleep, not dreaming sleep
- The child is not fully awake, even if their eyes are open
- They may scream, cry, thrash, or appear panicked
- They are often unresponsive to comfort or reassurance
- Once the episode ends, the child usually returns to sleep
- The child typically has no memory of the event the next day
Although they can look frightening, night terrors do not usually cause distress to the child once the episode has passed.
At What Age Do Night Terrors Usually Occur?
Night terrors are most commonly seen in children aged around 3 to 8 years, according to paediatric sleep guidance.
They are less common in younger toddlers, but can occasionally occur, particularly during periods of disrupted sleep, illness, or developmental change. Some children may experience only one or two episodes, while others may have them intermittently for a time.
The majority of children grow out of night terrors without any treatment.
How to Recognise Night Terrors
Signs of a night terror may include:
- Sudden sitting up in bed
- Screaming, shouting, or crying intensely
- Thrashing movements or agitation
- Rapid breathing or heartbeat
- Sweating or feeling warm
- Eyes open but appearing confused or unaware
- Not recognising parents or carers
- Settling suddenly and returning to sleep
- No recollection of the event the following morning
If your child sleeps in a separate room, you may only become aware of a night terror if you hear loud crying or movement.
What Causes Night Terrors in Toddlers?
Night terrors are thought to occur when a child partially wakes from deep sleep. Because children’s central nervous systems are still maturing, night terrors are more common in certain age ranges, and usually outgrown over time. Factors that may increase the likelihood of night terrors include:
- Overtiredness or lack of adequate sleep
- Disrupted sleep routines, such as late bedtimes or missed naps
- Sleep-cycle transitions during deep non-REM sleep
- Physical stress, such as fever or illness
- Emotional or environmental changes, including travel or routine disruption
- Environmental factors, such as overheating, a full bladder, or sudden noise
- Family history of night terrors or sleepwalking
Night terrors are not usually linked to emotional trauma or psychological problems.
What to Do During Night Terror
If your toddler has a night terror, the most important steps are to stay calm and keep them safe.
During an episode:
- Avoid trying to wake your child
- Speak softly or remain nearby without overstimulation
- Ensure the environment is safe by:
- Removing nearby objects they could bump into
- Blocking access to stairs or hazards
- Securing windows and doors if necessary
Attempting to wake a child during a night terror can prolong the episode and increase confusion. Most children settle back into sleep on their own once it passes.
Night Terrors vs. Nightmares
Understanding the difference can help parents respond appropriately.
Nightmares occur during dream (REM) sleep, usually later in the night. Children wake fully, remember the dream, and often seek comfort. Where as night terrors occur during deep non-REM sleep, usually earlier in the night. Children are not fully awake and do not remember the event.
Because of this, nightmares benefit from reassurance and discussion, whereas night terrors are best managed by waiting calmly and ensuring safety.
How to Reduce Night Terrors
There is no guaranteed way to prevent night terrors, but gentle, consistent sleep habits may help reduce how often they occur.
Helpful approaches include:
- Keeping a regular bedtime and wake-up time
- Ensuring your toddler gets enough sleep and is not overtired
- Establishing a calm, predictable bedtime routine
- Avoiding stimulating activities, screens, or sugary drinks close to bedtime
- Limiting fluid intake before bed where appropriate
- Creating a comfortable and safe sleep environment, including a cool room temperature
Some sleep professionals may suggest gently rousing a child shortly before a predictable episode time, but this approach should be used cautiously and discussed with a healthcare professional.
When Could Night Terrors Signal an Underlying Issue?
Most night terrors do not require medical attention. However, it is important to seek advice if:
- Episodes are very frequent or worsening
- They last unusually long
- Your child is at risk of injury
- Night terrors occur multiple times every night
- You have concerns about your child’s breathing, development, or overall health
A GP can assess whether further investigation or referral to a sleep specialist is needed.
Conclusion
Night terrors in toddlers can be frightening to witness, but they are common, temporary, and usually harmless. With consistent routines, adequate sleep, and a safe sleep environment, many children experience fewer episodes and eventually outgrow them altogether.
If you are worried, trust your instincts and seek guidance from a healthcare professional reassurance and support are always available.
FAQs around night terrors in toddlers
In most cases, no. They are usually developmental and resolve on their own. Persistent or severe episodes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
A predictable bedtime routine, reassurance, and avoiding frightening content before bed can help.
No. Newborns do not yet have the cognitive development needed for nightmares or night terrors.
Nightmares, sleepwalking, illness-related discomfort, reflux, or (rarely) seizures can sometimes look similar. Medical advice should be sought if unsure.
