From the Research
Night terrors are best treated by ensuring safety during episodes and addressing underlying causes, with behavioral management being of prime importance, including addressing precipitating factors, family reassurance, safety measures, and scheduled awakenings, as stated in the most recent study 1. For most cases, especially in children, no specific treatment is needed as they typically resolve on their own. Establishing good sleep habits is crucial, including:
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
- Creating a relaxing bedtime routine
- Ensuring adequate sleep (7-9 hours for adults, more for children) During an episode, it's essential not to attempt to wake the person but gently guide them back to bed if necessary. For persistent or severe night terrors, scheduled awakenings may help—wake the person about 15-30 minutes before episodes typically occur for several nights. Stress reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing can be beneficial, as shown in studies 2 and 3, which demonstrated the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises in reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving sleep quality. In rare cases where night terrors significantly impact quality of life, medications might be considered, including benzodiazepines like clonazepam, as mentioned in the study 1, or other medications like tricyclic antidepressants or SSRIs, but these should only be used under medical supervision due to their potential side effects and dependence, as highlighted in the study 4. It's also important to note that benzodiazepines can have adverse effects on breathing during sleep, especially in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiac failure, as mentioned in the study 5. Overall, the treatment of night terrors should prioritize behavioral management and stress reduction techniques, with medications being considered only in severe cases under medical supervision.