A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Their 18-Year-Old Through Night Terrors

Blog Post Title: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Their 18-Year-Old Through Night Terrors

As parents, our main goal is to protect and support our children in every way possible. However, when our child reaches the age of 18, they are considered adults and may face challenges that we may not fully understand. One of these challenges could be night terrors, a type of sleep disorder that can be terrifying for both the parent and the child. Night terrors are characterized by intense fear and screaming during sleep, and can leave the child feeling confused and scared when they wake up. As a parent, it is important to know how to support your 18-year-old through night terrors. In this blog post, we will discuss what night terrors are, their causes and triggers, and how you can help your child cope with them.

What are Night Terrors?

Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are a type of sleep disorder that occurs during deep non-REM sleep. They are more common in children, but can also occur in adults, especially during times of stress or anxiety. During a night terror, the person may suddenly sit up in bed, scream or cry, and appear to be in a state of intense fear. Unlike nightmares, which occur during REM sleep and can be remembered, night terrors usually happen within the first few hours of sleep and the person may have no memory of them the next day.

Causes and Triggers of Night Terrors

The exact cause of night terrors is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a disruption in the brain’s normal sleep cycle. Some factors that may contribute to night terrors include genetics, underlying medical conditions, and stress. In some cases, night terrors may also be triggered by certain medications, sleep deprivation, or a change in sleep environment.

How to Support Your 18-Year-Old Through Night Terrors

A Parent's Guide to Supporting Their 18-Year-Old Through Night Terrors

1. Educate Yourself: The first step in supporting your child through night terrors is to educate yourself about the disorder. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and triggers so that you can better understand what your child is going through.

2. Create a Safe and Calm Sleep Environment: It is important to create a sleep environment that is safe and calming for your child. This may include keeping the room dark and quiet, using a nightlight if needed, and removing any potential hazards from the room.

3. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine: A consistent bedtime routine can help your child feel more secure and relaxed before going to bed. This may include a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.

4. Be Patient and Reassuring: During a night terror, your child may appear to be awake, but they are actually still asleep. It is important to remain calm and patient, and avoid trying to wake them up. Instead, speak softly and gently reassure them that everything is okay and that you are there for them.

5. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your child’s night terrors are frequent and disruptive, it is important to seek help from a medical professional. They may be able to provide treatment options or refer you to a sleep specialist who can further evaluate and help manage your child’s night terrors.

6. Encourage Stress-Reducing Activities: As stress can be a trigger for night terrors, it is important to encourage your child to engage in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, mindfulness techniques, or talking to a trusted friend or family member.

7. Be a Supportive Listener: As your child transitions into adulthood, they may be facing various challenges and stressors. It is important to be a supportive listener and provide a safe space for them to talk about their feelings and experiences. This can help reduce their stress levels and potentially decrease the frequency of night terrors.

In summary, night terrors can be a scary and unsettling experience for both the parent and the child. As a parent, it is important to educate yourself about the disorder and create a safe and calm sleep environment for your child. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and being patient and reassuring during a night terror can also help your child cope with this sleep disorder. Seeking professional help and encouraging stress-reducing activities can further support your child through this challenging time. Most importantly, be a supportive and understanding parent and provide a listening ear for your child as they navigate through this phase of their life.