How to Help Someone Having a Night Terror
Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are a type of sleep disorder that can cause a person to suddenly awaken in a state of fear or panic. While night terrors are more common in children, they can also occur in adults. If you find yourself in a situation where someone is experiencing a night terror, it’s important to know how to help them safely and effectively. Here are some steps you can take to assist someone during a night terror.
Stay Calm and Reassure
The first step in helping someone having a night terror is to remain calm. Night terrors can be quite frightening, both for the person experiencing them and for those who witness them. Take a deep breath and try to keep your voice steady when speaking to the person. Reassure them that they are safe and that the night terror will pass.
Keep Them Safe
During a night terror, the person may be thrashing around or acting out. It’s important to keep them safe by gently guiding them back to bed. Avoid trying to wake them up or hold them down, as this can be frightening and may exacerbate the night terror. Instead, let them work through the episode on their own.
Do Not Touch Them
It’s crucial to avoid touching the person during a night terror. While they may appear to be awake and responsive, they are actually in a deep sleep state and may not be able to register your touch. Attempting to touch them could cause them to become more agitated or even injure themselves.
Stay with Them
Stay with the person until the night terror subsides. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. By remaining with them, you can provide reassurance and monitor their condition. It’s also important to keep an eye on their surroundings to ensure they do not injure themselves during the episode.
Comfort Them After the Episode
Once the night terror has ended, the person may be confused or scared. Offer comfort and reassurance, and help them return to a normal sleep state. If they seem disoriented, guide them back to bed and ensure they are safe and comfortable.
Seek Professional Help
If night terrors are a recurring issue for someone, it’s important to seek professional help. A healthcare provider can offer guidance on managing night terrors and may recommend treatments or therapies to help alleviate the symptoms.
By following these steps, you can effectively help someone having a night terror. Remember to stay calm, keep them safe, and offer reassurance throughout the episode. With the right support, individuals experiencing night terrors can find relief and improve their overall sleep quality.
