Night terror Health Article

Treatment

In many cases, a child who has a night terror only needs comfort and reassurance. Psychotherapy or counseling may be appropriate in some cases. Benzodiazepine medications (such as diazepam) used at bedtime will often reduce night terrors; however, medication is not usually recommended to treat this disorder.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most children outgrow night terrors. They don't usually remember the event. Stress reduction and/or psychotherapy may be helpful for night terror in adults.

Complications

• Insomnia (unusual)

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if the night terrors are persistent or frequent, or occur often enough to regularly disrupt sleep.

Also call if other symptoms occur with the night terror or if the night terror causes, or almost causes, injuries.

Prevention

Minimizing stress or using coping mechanisms may reduce night terrors. The number of episodes usually decreases after age 10.