Why Is My Child Screaming at Night? Understanding Night Terrors

First published October 2013
Updated April 2026

Few things are more unsettling for parents than being awakened in the middle of the night by a child who is screaming, thrashing, or sitting upright in bed with wide eyes that seem to look right through you.

You rush in to comfort them, but they don’t respond. They may cry, shout, talk nonsense, or even get out of bed and walk around the room. No matter what you try, they don’t seem to recognize you.

If this sounds familiar, your child may be experiencing night terrors.

What Are Night Terrors?

Night terrors are a type of sleep disturbance that most often affects toddlers and young school-aged children. About 2% of children experience them, and they tend to run in families.

Unlike nightmares, night terrors do not occur during dream sleep. Children are actually in a very deep stage of sleep when they happen. Because of this, most kids do not remember the event the next morning.

Although they can look frightening, night terrors are usually harmless and temporary.

What Do Night Terrors Look Like?

During a night terror, a child may:

• Suddenly sit up, cry, or scream
• Appear frightened or confused
• Stare with open eyes but do not recognize family members
• Talk incoherently or move restlessly
• Get out of bed and wander around the room

Episodes can be dramatic to witness, but your child is not fully awake during the event.

When Do Night Terrors Occur?

Night terrors typically follow a predictable pattern:

• They usually happen within the first two hours after falling asleep
• Episodes typically last 10 to 30 minutes
• They often end suddenly, with the child returning to normal sleep

Being overtired can sometimes trigger night terrors, so maintaining consistent sleep routines can help reduce episodes.

What Should Parents Do During a Night Terror?

The best approach is usually to let the episode run its course.

Helpful steps include:

• Do not try to wake your child, which can prolong the episode
• Stay calm and nearby
• Ensure safety if your child gets out of bed
• Gently guide them away from stairs, sharp objects, or hazards

Once the episode ends, most children simply fall back asleep.

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

Although night terrors are usually benign, talk with your child’s doctor if episodes include:

• Shaking or stiffening of the arms or legs
• Episodes lasting longer than 30 minutes
• Events occurring later in the night
• Episodes your child remembers in the morning
• Events linked with significant stress or unusual daytime fears

Rarely, other conditions, such as seizures or certain mental health disorders, can mimic night terrors.

A Final Tip for Parents

Try not to describe the details of the episode to your child the next day. Young children may develop a false memory of the event and believe they experienced something frightening when they actually slept through it.

While night terrors can be alarming for parents, the good news is that most children outgrow them over time.