Navigating Night Terrors: A Guide for 18-Year-Olds and Their Partners

Night terrors are a common occurrence among children, but they can also affect adults, including 18-year-olds. Unlike nightmares, night terrors are intense episodes of fear and panic that happen during non-REM sleep. They can be extremely distressing for both the person experiencing them and their partner. In this blog post, we will discuss what night terrors are, their causes, how to navigate them, and provide tips for partners on how to support their loved one through these episodes.

Understanding Night Terrors

Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are a type of parasomnia, a group of sleep disorders that involve abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, or dreams. They usually occur during the first half of the night during deep, non-REM sleep. Unlike nightmares, which happen during REM sleep, night terrors occur during a transition between deep sleep and lighter sleep stages.

During a night terror episode, the person may suddenly sit up in bed, scream, and thrash around in a state of panic. They may appear to be awake, but they are actually still asleep and unaware of their surroundings. They may also have a rapid heart rate, heavy breathing, and sweating. After a few minutes, the person may calm down and fall back asleep, often with no memory of the episode the next morning.

Causes of Night Terrors

Night terrors can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, sleep deprivation, and underlying mental health conditions. They can also be triggered by certain medications, alcohol, and drugs. In some cases, night terrors may also run in families and have a genetic component.

Navigating Night Terrors

If you or your partner experience night terrors, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying medical conditions. A sleep study may also be recommended to monitor your sleep patterns and identify any potential triggers. In addition, here are some tips for navigating night terrors:

1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine: Stick to a regular sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine to promote better sleep. This can include activities like reading, listening to soothing music, or taking a warm bath.

a man lies awake in bed, looking anxious, with a full moon shining through the window at night

Navigating Night Terrors: A Guide for 18-Year-Olds and Their Partners

2. Reduce Stress: Stress and anxiety can contribute to night terrors, so finding ways to manage and reduce stress can be helpful. This can include activities like yoga, meditation, or therapy.

3. Create a Safe and Comfortable Sleep Environment: Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature. Consider using white noise or a weighted blanket to help you relax and sleep better.

4. Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid any potential triggers that may contribute to night terrors. This can include certain foods, medications, or stressful situations.

5. Talk to Your Partner: If you experience night terrors, it is important to communicate openly with your partner about your experiences. Let them know what they can do to support you during an episode, such as gently waking you up or staying nearby until you fall back asleep.

Tips for Partners

Witnessing a loved one experience night terrors can be scary and overwhelming. Here are some tips for partners on how to support their loved one:

1. Stay Calm: It can be tempting to panic when your partner is experiencing a night terror, but it is important to stay calm and reassure them that they are safe. Your calm presence can help them feel more secure and may even help reduce the duration of the episode.

2. Don’t Try to Wake Them Up: It may be tempting to try to wake your partner up during a night terror, but it is best to avoid this as it can cause confusion and disorientation. Instead, gently speak to them in a calm voice and wait for the episode to pass.

3. Be Patient and Understanding: Night terrors can be distressing for both the person experiencing them and their partner. It is important to be patient and understanding, and not to take any negative or aggressive behavior during an episode personally.

4. Seek Support: Supporting a partner with night terrors can be challenging, so it is important to take care of yourself as well. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist to help you cope with any stress or anxiety you may experience.

In summary, night terrors can be a distressing experience for 18-year-olds and their partners, but with the right approach, they can be managed. By understanding what night terrors are, identifying potential triggers, and implementing strategies to promote better sleep, individuals and their partners can navigate through these episodes and find relief. Remember to seek medical advice and support if needed, and communicate openly with your partner to better understand and support each other.