Treatment:

In many cases, a child who has a night terror only needs to be comforted.

Reducing stress or using coping mechanisms may reduce night terrors. Talk therapy or counseling may be needed in some cases.

Benzodiazepine medicines (such as diazepam) used at bedtime will often reduce night terrors, but are rarely used to treat this disorder.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most children outgrow night terrors in a short period of time. The number of episodes usually decreases after age 10. Rarely, children will have problems falling asleep or staying asleep.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• The night terrors occur often
• They disrupt sleep on a regular basis
• Other symptoms occur with the night terror
• The night terror causes, or almost causes, injuries