Going on 80: Coping with Night Terrors in Your Late Teens

Going on 80: Coping with Night Terrors in Your Late Teens

Turning 80 years old is often seen as a milestone in one’s life, but what does it mean for someone who is only in their late teens? For those who suffer from night terrors, it can feel like they are going on 80 every night. Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are a type of parasomnia that causes intense fear and panic during sleep. While they are more common in children, it is not unheard of for them to continue into late teens and even adulthood. Coping with night terrors can be challenging, but with the right understanding and techniques, it is possible to manage and even overcome them. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of night terrors, their impact on a late teen’s life, and effective coping strategies to help them get a good night’s sleep.

Causes of Night Terrors

Night terrors are a sleep disorder that falls under the category of parasomnias, which also includes sleepwalking and sleep talking. These episodes typically occur during the non-REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep and can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Unlike nightmares, which happen during REM sleep and are easily remembered, night terrors are often forgotten or only vaguely remembered.

The exact cause of night terrors is still unknown, but research suggests that they may be linked to genetics, stress, and certain medications. It is also believed that night terrors may be triggered by a combination of factors, including sleep deprivation, sleep disorders, and underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Impact on Late Teens

For most people, the occasional night terror may not have a significant impact on their daily life. However, for late teens who experience frequent night terrors, it can have a significant impact on their mental and emotional well-being. The fear and panic during a night terror can be so intense that it can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and helplessness. This can result in them avoiding sleep or feeling anxious and exhausted during the day, which can affect their performance in school or work.

The impact of night terrors can also extend to their relationships with family and friends. Late teens may feel isolated and misunderstood, as night terrors are not as well-known as other sleep disorders. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and contribute to their overall sense of well-being.

Going on 80: Coping with Night Terrors in Your Late Teens

Coping Strategies

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for coping with night terrors, there are several techniques that can help late teens manage and reduce their occurrence. Here are some effective coping strategies that can help:

1. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: A relaxing bedtime routine can help calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep. This can include taking a warm bath, listening to soothing music, or reading a book. Avoiding stimulating activities such as playing video games or watching TV before bed can also help.

2. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Good sleep hygiene is essential for anyone looking to improve their sleep quality. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoiding caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime, and creating a comfortable and dark sleep environment.

3. Reduce Stress: Stress is a common trigger for night terrors, so finding ways to reduce stress can be beneficial. This can include practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, talking to a trusted friend or family member, or seeking professional help if needed.

4. Keep a Sleep Diary: Keeping a sleep diary can help identify any patterns or triggers for night terrors. This can include what time they occur, how long they last, and any factors that may have contributed to them, such as stress or medication.

5. Seek Professional Help: If night terrors are significantly impacting a late teen’s life, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A doctor or sleep specialist can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Summing Up

Night terrors can be a challenging and distressing experience, particularly for late teens who may already be going through significant changes in their lives. However, with the right understanding and coping strategies, it is possible to manage and even overcome them. By creating a relaxing bedtime routine, practicing good sleep hygiene, reducing stress, keeping a sleep diary, and seeking professional help if needed, late teens can learn to cope with night terrors and get the restful sleep they need.