Understanding and Supporting Night Terrors in Kids
What Are Night Terrors in Children?
You’re jolted awake by your child’s screams. You rush in—they’re sitting up, eyes wide, crying or kicking, but they don’t see you. You whisper their name, try to hold them. Nothing works.
Then, just as suddenly, they settle. Back to sleep like nothing happened.
That was a night terror.
Night terrors usually happen within the first few hours of bedtime during non-REM (rapid eye movement) deep sleep. Your child isn’t awake, and in the morning they won’t remember it. As scary as it looks, they don’t experience danger or distress. Their brain simply gets stuck between sleep and wake.
Have you met Paige? Paige has a calming presence and with many years of experience supports moms and their kids through sleep. If you are concerned your child needs more support book your free 15 minute consultation.
Age Range and Prevalence
Night terrors are most common between 3–7, especially in toddlers and preschoolers. We often see night terrors in 3-years-olds.
The good news? Most kids grow out of them. And with the right support, you’ll both sleep easier.
What Causes Night Terrors in Toddlers and Preschoolers?
Night terrors in kids often stem from a mix of developmental changes and everyday stressors. For toddlers and preschoolers, the brain is still learning how to move smoothly through sleep cycles—so disruptions can show up at night. Even if the symptoms look dramatic, night terrors aren’t harmful. They’re simply a sign that your child’s sleep cycles, and nervous system, are still developing.
Common Triggers in Young Children
Some of the most common causes of night terrors in toddlers and preschoolers include:
Being overtired
Big transitions like a new sibling or starting daycare
Illness, fever, or physical stress
Overstimulated before bed—think screen time, new people, environments or sounds
Family history of night terrors or sleepwalking
What Do Night Terrors in Preschoolers and Toddlers Look Like?
If your toddler or preschooler suddenly cries out at night, it’s easy to assume they’re having a nightmare (which will wake your child). But night terrors show up differently. Knowing the signs can help you to stay calm when they happen.
When Night Terrors Happen
Night terrors in kids usually occur within 1–3 hours of falling asleep, during the deepest stage of non-REM sleep. They often pass within 10 to 30 minutes, though some may last longer. Afterward, your child may settle on their own and return to sleep as if nothing happened.
Common Night Terror Behaviors
Screaming or shouting out of nowhere
Thrashing, kicking, or sitting up suddenly
Fast breathing, sweaty skin, racing heart
Eyes open with a glazed or confused look
No recognition of you—no response to your voice or touch
During a night terror, your child is not fully awake. They might seem frightened or upset, but they won’t be able to tell you what’s wrong. This unresponsiveness to comfort is one of the clearest signs you’re dealing with a night terror rather than a nightmare.
Age-Specific Patterns
Toddlers (1–3 years) may cry, arch their back, or call out, but they stay disconnected from their surroundings. This can be especially confusing for caregivers used to providing comfort during wake-ups.
Preschoolers (3–5 years) might add more movement—running, yelling, even getting out of bed—but still won’t respond to questions or calming.
Older kids (ages 6 to 7) have fewer night terrors. When they do have them, their behaviors are similar. However, these behaviours may include more talking or complexity.
How to Support Your Child During a Night Terror Episode
Night terrors in toddlers and preschoolers can feel intense—but the best thing you can do in the moment is stay calm.
How to help your child during a night terror:
Don’t try to wake them. It can confuse or agitate them more.
Keep them physically safe. Ensure the bed or crib is clear of hazards. If they’re thrashing or trying to get up, gently guide them to prevent injury.
Stay close and speak calmly. Reassure them with your presence.
Remember: your child isn’t truly awake and won’t remember the event. Your calm presence is enough.
How to Prevent Night Terrors in Kids: Sleep Hygiene and Home Strategies
If you’re wondering how to stop night terrors in toddlers, there are simple steps you can take to reduce their frequency.
Stick to a consistent bedtime. Earlier bedtimes often help prevent overtiredness—a common trigger.
Create a soothing bedtime routine. Dim lights, quiet activities, and no screens before sleep.
Avoid sugar or screen time in the evening
Use a sleep log to spot patterns or track changes.
If night terrors happen at the same time each night, you can try preemptive waking. This means gently waking your child 15 minutes before the usual episode. It can help reset their sleep cycle.
Other supportive tools:
Try white noise, a consistent room temperature, or a bedtime wind-down chart.
Our team at Woodlands Collective provides sleep consulting, counselling and occupational therapy. We create personalized routines to support your family’s needs.
When to Get Help
Most night terrors are harmless. Talk to a pediatrician or sleep consultant if:
They last longer than 30 minutes
Episodes happen multiple times per week
You notice snoring, gasping, or restless sleep
Your child shows signs of reflux, leg discomfort, or daytime fatigue
Your child is at risk of falling, injury, or sleepwalking
You notice daytime anxiety, mood shifts, or ongoing fatigue
You suspect another condition like sleep apnea, reflux, or restless sleep
You’re Not Alone in Navigating Night Terrors
It’s hard to watch your child go through night terrors—and even harder when nothing you do seems to help in the moment. But we want you to know, you're not alone.
Night terrors in children are common, and usually temporary. With the right tools, support, and sleep strategies, these episodes can become less frequent and less overwhelming. A certified sleep consultant can help you understand what’s happening and build a plan that’s tailored to your child’s needs.
