A Parent’s Guide to Helping Their 18-Year-Old Cope with Night Terrors

As parents, we want to protect our children and help them navigate through life’s challenges. But when our child reaches the age of 18, we may feel a sense of uncertainty and helplessness as they start to become more independent. This can be especially true when it comes to night terrors, a type of sleep disorder that can affect young adults.

Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are episodes of intense fear or terror that occur during sleep. They can cause your child to scream, thrash around, and appear to be awake, but they are actually still asleep. These episodes can be very distressing for both the person experiencing them and their loved ones. If your 18-year-old is struggling with night terrors, here is a parent’s guide to help them cope with this sleep disorder.

1. Educate Yourself
The first step in helping your child cope with night terrors is to educate yourself about the condition. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments so you can better understand what your child is going through. Night terrors can be caused by various factors such as stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and even genetics. By understanding the underlying causes, you can better support your child and help them find ways to manage their night terrors.

2. Create a Safe and Comfortable Sleeping Environment
A calm and peaceful sleeping environment is crucial for those experiencing night terrors. Make sure your child’s room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Consider using a white noise machine to help drown out any external noises that may trigger an episode. You can also use blackout curtains to keep the room dark and soothing essential oils to promote relaxation.

3. Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine
Establishing a consistent sleep routine can help regulate your child’s sleep patterns and reduce the frequency of night terrors. Encourage your child to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help their body get into a natural sleep cycle and improve the overall quality of their sleep. Avoiding caffeine, heavy meals, and electronics before bedtime can also help prevent night terrors.

A Parent's Guide to Helping Their 18-Year-Old Cope with Night Terrors

4. Encourage Relaxation Techniques
Stress and anxiety can trigger night terrors, so it’s essential to help your child find ways to relax and unwind before bedtime. Encourage them to engage in activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These techniques can help calm their mind and body, making it easier for them to fall asleep and reduce the chances of a night terror episode.

5. Talk to Your Child
It’s crucial to have open and honest communication with your child about their night terrors. Let them know that it is a common and treatable condition and that they have your support. Encourage them to talk about their fears and anxieties, and offer a listening ear without judgment. Remind them that they are not alone and that you are there to help them through this.

6. Seek Professional Help
If your child’s night terrors are causing significant distress or interfering with their daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. A doctor or therapist can help identify any underlying issues and provide a personalized treatment plan. They may suggest techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication to manage the night terrors. It’s essential to involve your child in the decision-making process and support them throughout their treatment.

7. Be Patient and Understanding
It’s important to remember that night terrors are not a deliberate behavior and cannot be controlled by your child. It’s crucial to be patient and understanding, especially during an episode. Stay calm and try to gently guide your child back to bed. Avoid waking them up abruptly, as this can increase their confusion and fear. After the episode, reassure them that they are safe and loved, and that the night terror will pass.

In conclusion, night terrors can be a challenging experience for young adults, but with the right support and guidance from parents, they can learn to cope with this sleep disorder. Remember to educate yourself, create a comfortable sleeping environment, establish a sleep routine, encourage relaxation techniques, talk to your child, seek professional help when needed, and be patient and understanding. With your love and support, your child can overcome their night terrors and have restful nights of sleep.