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Sleep Terror Disorder Is Characterized By Extremes of Terror

April 13th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Sleep terror disorders are characterized by extremes of terror as well as a temporary inability to get to full consciousness. Any person that suffers from this debilitating disease is abruptly woken from the fourth stage of sleep, and such waking up is accompanied by gasping, moaning as well as screaming. Often, the patient is not able to be woken completely, though after the episode, he or she will get back to normal sleep without further waking. Sometimes, the patient is able to recall the night terror episode if it occurs, in most instances, during non-REM sleep.

Distinct from Nightmares

Sleep terror disorders are not the same as having a nightmare and is distinct in several key ways. To begin with, the subject cannot fully awaken when roused, and even after waking, may continue to feel and experience the sleep terror for another ten to twenty minutes. And, it also occurs during the deepest level of non-REM sleep, which is not the case with nightmares. Also, upon waking, the patient will be unable to remember the episode except for feeling a sense of panic. In the case of nightmares, the patient is able to recall whatever transpired.

Sleep terror disorders are, unlike nightmares, not dreams; rather, it is an emotion of fear that the person feels which may also be coupled with tension as well as apprehension. Also there are no distinct sounds or visual imagery. Every episode of sleep terror disorders is, in most cases, different; though a strong sense of danger is most often experienced by the same person over several different episodes.

Children of two to six years of age are also prone to experience sleep terror disorders, and it is believed, that almost 15 per cent of youngsters are affected. There can be many triggers though emotional stress on the previous day as well as high fever contributes in no small measure to having an attack, which can be controlled, to a certain extent, by getting the right amount of sleep.

To treat sleep terror disorders, doctors are required to be gentle, should dispose of anything close at hand that can cause injury to the patient as well as also avoid loud voices or movements that can frighten the patient further. Persons affected by this disease are not even aware that they are experiencing sleep terror disorders.

Of the many that suffer sleep terror disorders, some famous names include H.R. Giger and H.P Lovecraft. Also, singer Gerard Way, the frontman for a New Jersey band called My Chemical Romance has also confessed to experiencing sleep terror while he was recording the track called “Sleep” from their new album The Black Parade.

Sleep problems are common with your toddler

March 12th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

One of the most common sleep problems for toddlers is resistance to sleep, and settling problems - your children doesn’t want to go to bed. Once he is in bed, he gets up several times, and you have to go and tuck him in again.

This can become a habit, and if it does, see your pediatrician for help. He can recommend some routines which will help your toddler to settle down for sleep when you put him to bed.

A tip: avoid over-stimulation before bedtime.

How to Fight Toddler Sleep Problems

Just like adults, toddlers sleep problems can occur, which could result in lack of sleep, fear of sleeping alone, restless sleep and insomnia. Nightmares are the most common sleep problems of toddlers.

Dreams usually occur when people are in the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep, which occurs about four to five times each night. Although many dreams are easily forgotten, most nightmares can wake up your toddler from bed and call for his or her parents.

Toddler sleep problems generally start at three years of age up to eight years old. This stage is the toddler’s most active fantasy life, which results in more realistic and vivid dreams. However, when nightmares occur, your toddler will be wide-awake and responsive after a certain nightmare. Because of this, your son or daughter will still recall details of the nightmare even in the next morning.

Although toddler sleep problems, especially nightmares, are normal, a persistent and nightly set of nightmares is not healthy for both your toddler and other people in your household because it could cause sleepless nights. Continuous nightmares are usually triggered by stress, change in routines or a response to a store, TV show or violent movie. The best way to fight toddler sleep problems associated with nightmares is to reassure him or her that the dream is not real. You can also avoid stress in your toddler’s life and avoid telling horror stories or watching brutal shows before bedtime.

Understanding Night Terrors and Sleepwalking

The other two common toddler sleep problems are night terrors and sleepwalking, which are both normal during this stage of your child. Compared to nightmares, night terrors can be frightening to parents because your toddler is not aware that he or she is screaming or crying for several minutes in the middle of the night. Since he is not aware, you cannot reassure them that the night terror is not real. For this reason, you just need to ensure that your child returns to bed safely.

Sleepwalking is a normal sleep problem of toddlers. Just like night terrors, your child is not aware of what he or she is doing, such as walking around the house. Sleepwalkers usually go back to bad in a couple of minutes, so it is not advisable to wake them up while sleepwalking. Instead, you should make sure that your toddler goes back to bed safely.

When nightmares, sleepwalking, night terrors and other toddler sleep problems continue to persist, it is important that you seek counseling or medical attention to disrupt the cycle and allow your child to have proper sleep.

Toddler sleep problems may be inevitable, but don’t let them get you down. Get advice on how to manage the problems, and your child will be sleeping peacefully through the night before you know it.

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