FAMILY : For Kids Who Go ‘Aiee!’ in the Night

Children’s terrifying dreams may be more than simple nightmares.

According to Children’s Hospital of Orange County, a child deluged by frightening images from which he or she is not easily awakened may have an inherited disorder called night terrors.

Night terrors strike about 2% of children, usually starting between ages 1 and 8 and disappearing by age 12. Episodes last 10 to 30 minutes, and may end with the child sitting up in bed, running around, screaming or talking wildly. And even if his or her eyes are open, the child may still be dreaming, says Dr. Robert Manniello, the hospital’s medical director.

These tips may help:

* Do not attempt to wake the dreamer. Instead, try to calm him or her back to sleep by turning on the lights and making soothing comments.

* Try to prevent episodes with “prompted awakenings.” Note how long after bedtime the terrors usually occur, then awaken child 15 minutes earlier and keep him or her standing and talking for five minutes. Repeat nightly for a week--longer if necessary.

* Watch the child’s schedule. Lack of sleep is the leading cause of night terrors.