From the Research
Night terrors typically don't require medication as first-line treatment, but when necessary, clonazepam may be considered on a short-term basis at bedtime if sleep terrors are frequent and severe or are associated with functional impairment. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, medical intervention is usually not necessary, but clonazepam may be considered in severe cases. The study highlights the importance of good sleep hygiene and an appropriate sleeping environment in managing sleep terrors.
Some key points to consider when managing night terrors include:
- Implementing good sleep hygiene practices like maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring a safe sleep environment
- Avoiding attempts to interrupt a sleep terror episode
- Considering anticipatory awakening, performed approximately half an hour before the child is most likely to experience a sleep terror episode, as a treatment option
- Treating underlying conditions and avoiding precipitating factors if possible
It's essential to note that medication should be considered only after non-pharmacological approaches have failed, and should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider due to potential side effects like daytime drowsiness, dependency concerns with benzodiazepines, and possible paradoxical reactions in children. The study 1 provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive guidance on the management of sleep terrors, and its recommendations should be prioritized in clinical practice.