How To Treat Night Terrors

While almost everyone has had nightmares throughout their lives, those unlucky enough to have experienced a night terror know it is an experience not easily forgotten. Though individuals tend to remember their nightmares, those who have suffered from a night terror only remember the feelings of fear and panic, coupled with an inability to get sleep, that come along with them. Night terrors are more common in children than adults, but when they occur in adulthood, there is an increased possibility of harm through sleepwalking, as well as increased drowsiness the following day. While professionals should be consulted in the case of continuing night terrors, the occasional episode can be largely avoided by following certain treatments. Learn about these now.

Engage In Stress Relief

One of the most important steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of night terrors is to reduce stress. Stress can very easily manifest itself at night, as it has no problem working its way into the subconscious. Additionally, many long-term physiological symptoms of stress are themselves also symptomatic of night terrors; shared symptoms of stress and night terrors include higher blood pressure, restlessness, and depression, none of which anyone is likely to want to endure regardless of the prognosis. While no causation relationship has been definitively proven, it is nonetheless worth taking steps to eliminate extra stress. As a result of this, it is important for individuals who suffer from night terrors to engage in stress relief every night, especially before going to bed. Doing so will both directly and indirectly contribute to a significantly lower risk of night terrors, as well as provide the individual in question to benefit from other benefits of such relief.

Underlying Condition Treatment

Finding a way to provide treatment for the underlying condition will also greatly help improve outcomes related to night terrors. While a considerable number of night terrors have roots linking back to stress, this does not always mean stress relief itself is enough to prevent them. Instead, individuals should find a way to treat the root of the problem.

For some, treating the underlying condition could be as simple as to make sure certain triggers, either environmental or dietary, are avoided. For others, such a step may instead require pursuing professional help to lessen the likelihood of night terrors. Such assistance may guide a patient to methods that will allow them to reduce the likelihood of sleepwalking and generally enter a more restive place during sleep. It is important to note some of this assistance may well take the shape of not only therapy, but also pharmaceutical options. In that case, it is imperative to ensure the care provider is aware of any other medications or supplements the patient takes, no matter how irregularly.