Sleep tips to help your kids get through the holidays well-rested

When holiday festivities spill over into late nights and missed bedtimes we all feel a little drained. But for small children, upsetting sleep routines can lead to night terrors. Parents panic at the sight of these nocturnal attacks and struggle to soothe their sleep deprived children.

How do you know if it is a night terror, and what can you do to help?

Childhood sleep disturbance

Virtually every child has stumbled bleary eyed to their parents bedside crying, “Mommy I had a bad dream.” A kiss, a cuddle and a soothing word and you tuck your little one back in bed.

When night terrors take hold, the child appears to be awake, but wide-eyed and disoriented. They can’t be soothed. They won’t recognize you. Cuddle or attempt to calm them and they may erupt in a tantrum of panic and rage.

Night terror or nightmare?

When does it happen?

•    Night terrors happen within two to three hours of falling asleep.
•    Nightmares and bad dreams happen later, during REM sleep.

Can you comfort your child?

•    A child in a night terror often rejects cuddling. Sometimes being touched escalates the ‘tantrum’ quality of the child’s reaction
•    A child is typically, easily soothed during a nightmare by being held and spoken to.

Does the child remember in the morning?

•    The child is technically still asleep during a night terror and does not remember it in the morning.
•    Nightmares are generally remembered.

Night terror action plan

A child suffering a night terror can’t be calmed or soothed, and any attempt to do so can lengthen the episode. Step back and let it pass (just watch to make sure they don’t harm themselves). A night terror episode tends to last for between 5 and 30 minutes, after which the child drops blissfully back asleep.

Once you know that your child suffers from night terrors, you can take steps ensure sleep health to avoid them.

Maintaining a regular sleep routine can help avert these nocturnal outbursts. Plan an afternoon nap if you may have a late night ahead, or arrange for an earlier departure to keep your child on schedule.

Children sleeping away from home are also at increased risk, so keep this in mind if your holiday plans include sleepovers. If your child suffers from night terrors often, be sure to prepare babysitters or relatives if you plan an evening out.

Do you have a sleep strategy for your children this holiday season? Have any sleep tips to share with other parents?