Night Terrors in Toddlers: Causes and How to Address Them

Night terrors caught me off guard as a parent. When my toddler started having them, watching him thrash and cry—while not responding to my comfort—was scary and left me feeling helpless. This was before I knew 2 year old night terrors were even a thing!

But here’s what I learned: while toddler night terrors can be tough for parents, they’re usually harmless for your child—who likely won’t even remember them. 

Let’s explore why they happen and how you can handle them with confidence.

What are night terrors?

Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are a sleep disturbance that can leave parents feeling alarmed—and understandably so. 

During a night terror, your child may suddenly sit up in bed, scream, cry, or thrash around with their eyes wide open. Despite the intensity, they aren’t actually awake. Their body might be shaking, their heart racing, and they may resist any attempts to comfort them.

Night terrors typically happen in the first half of the night when your child is in a deep sleep. Since they’re stuck in a sleep-wake “twilight zone,” they don’t recognize you or respond to anything you say. This confusion can last anywhere from a few minutes to nearly an hour. Once it passes, your child may go right back to sleep—without remembering a thing.

Night terrors in kids usually occur between 4 and 12 years of age, with a peak between 5 and 7 years old. Research estimates that sleep terrors affect 1 to 6.5% of children between 1 and 12 years of age, though some studies have reported a prevalence as high as 14%. 

While they can be distressing for parents, most kids outgrow night terrors with time.

Understanding night terrors vs. nightmares

Night terrors and nightmares are two very different experiences, though both can leave you feeling unsettled as a parent.

Night terrors usually occur in the first few hours after your child falls asleep, during deep, non-REM sleep. This is when they’re most likely to thrash around, scream, or appear awake—though they aren’t. The strange thing? They won’t remember it the next day.

Nightmares, on the other hand, can happen at any point throughout the night, typically during REM sleep (which occurs in the last third of the night). After a nightmare, your child will often wake up, recall the dream, and may seek comfort from you.

The simplest way to distinguish between the two is to notice who’s more disturbed the next morning. If your child is upset, they probably had a nightmare. But if it’s you who’s shaken, chances are it was a night terror.

The "terror" of a night terror stays with the parent far longer than it does with the child who experienced it!

What are some signs of night terrors in toddlers?

A toddler—or child—who is having a night terror might:

• sit up in bed or get out of bed

• scream, cry, or yell

• kick, punch, or thrash

• have an elevated heart rate

• breathe rapidly

• be sweaty

• have their eyes open but not respond to your soothing

• appear terrified

• calm down and fall back asleep without any effort on your part

What causes night terrors in children and toddlers?

While the exact cause of night terrors isn’t fully understood, we do know that they often stem from an over-arousal of the central nervous system during sleep. Here are some other potential triggers:

• Stress: Big changes, like welcoming a new sibling or starting preschool, can cause anxiety that might lead to night terrors.

• Excess Fatigue: If your toddler isn’t getting enough sleep or has an inconsistent sleep schedule, they could be more prone to night terrors.

• Sickness: Fevers or certain medications can also trigger these episodes.

• Family History: If either you or your partner experienced night terrors or sleepwalking as kids, there's a higher chance your child may, too.

• Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome can disrupt sleep and increase the likelihood of night terrors.

• Caffeine: While specific foods aren’t known to directly cause night terrors, too much caffeine may make them more likely.

So while night terrors can feel mysterious (and scary!), understanding their potential causes can help you manage the situation confidently and calmly.

What to do if your child has a night terror

It’s tough to see your child experience a night terror, but trying to wake or soothe them usually backfires. During a night terror, your child isn’t fully awake and may not recognize your presence or attempts to comfort them, which can make them more upset.

Here’s what to do instead:

• Stay calm and avoid waking them. Speaking softly can be reassuring, even if your child doesn’t respond.

• Keep them safe. Gently guide your child away from anything that could cause injury, like sharp corners or the edge of the bed. If necessary, put yourself between them and any hazards.

• Wait it out. Most episodes pass within a few minutes, and your child will often return to a peaceful sleep without remembering the event.

Before bedtime, take a few safety measures just in case your child moves around during a night terror:

• Clear toys or objects off the floor to prevent tripping.

• Secure gates at the top of stairs.

• Lock windows and doors to keep your child from wandering outside.

Night terrors can be scary to watch, but keeping a calm presence and a safe environment goes a long way in helping everyone get through them unscathed.

How to prevent night terrors in toddlers

While you can’t completely eliminate the possibility of night terrors, there are simple steps you can take to reduce their likelihood and create a more restful night for everyone:

• Keep it cool. A slightly cooler room temperature can help your child stay comfortable and reduce the chances of a restless night.

• Encourage a pre-bedtime potty trip. If your toddler is potty trained, ensure they empty their bladder before bed to avoid disruptions during deep sleep.

• Stick to a solid sleep schedule. Make sure your child gets enough rest with an age-appropriate bedtime and wake-up time. Consistency is key!

• Create a calming bedtime routine. A predictable wind-down routine—like bath, book, and cuddles—signals to your child that it’s time to sleep.

• Limit screens and caffeine. Steer clear of caffeine and avoid screens for at least an hour before bed to support healthy sleep cycles.

• Address stress. Help your toddler navigate physical or emotional stress by offering plenty of reassurance and maintaining a stable routine.

• Try gentle rousing. If night terrors happen around the same time each night, wake your child gently about 20 to 30 minutes beforehand to disrupt the cycle.

Looking for extra support to help your child wind down at night? Hiya Kids Bedtime Essentials is a simple, melatonin-free way to support healthy sleep habits for your kids.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Most kids outgrow night terrors with time, but there are situations where it’s best to check in with your pediatrician:

• Night terrors are frequent or prolonged. If they last longer than 30 minutes, happen more than once a week, or interfere with your child’s ability to get adequate rest, let your pediatrician know.

• Your child shows signs of emotional distress. Daytime sadness, fearfulness, or stress could indicate an underlying issue contributing to their sleep disturbances.

• There are unusual physical symptoms. Drooling, stiffening, or jerking during a night terror may suggest something more than a typical episode.

• Other sleep-related issues arise. Snoring, frequent heartburn, or persistent burping might point to an underlying condition like sleep apnea or acid reflux that could be disrupting sleep.

• You or your child aren’t getting quality sleep. If night terrors leave your family feeling exhausted or affect your ability to function during the day, it’s time to seek help.

If you notice any of these concerns, don’t hesitate to seek medical care. Your pediatrician can help pinpoint the cause and offer strategies to improve your child’s sleep and overall well-being.

FAQs

What age do night terrors start?

Night terrors in children typically begin in toddlers and young kids between ages 3 and 12, though they can occasionally occur earlier.

Are night terrors dangerous for toddlers?

Night terrors in kids and toddlers are not inherently dangerous, but it is important to keep your child’s environment safe to prevent injuries during an episode.

Should I wake my child from a night terror?

Avoid trying to wake your child when they're experiencing a night terror. Doing so may prolong the episode.