Night Terrors?

My son also did this at about a year and it lasted almost 6 months, but it was off and on. We would have one or two good weeks and then several bad nights in a row. I thought it might be "growing pains", but the doctor told me that children that young do not feel pain like young adolesence. But it could be rapid growth spurts that cause them to wake up. The terror part and not being able to console them, well no one could ever help me with that part. Most of the time my son would get extremely angry and push us away, but we would persist and make sure he was actually awake. Sometimes he would stare directly at the same corner of his bedroom, like he was in a trance. I'm not the most religeous person in the world, but I was praying and asking God to protect him because this was really scary for my husband and I. I finally got every cross in the house and put it up in his bedroom (my necklaces, pendants, etc.) The very next night after I did that was the last time he had the terrors. SO, I don't know for sure what it was, but I know that it stopped after I asked God to take away whatever was doing this to him. Some people may think that's crazy, I just know that it stopped and that was the most important thing to me.

my daughter did this a few times, we figured out once that she had an ear infection and the sucking was helping to take the pressure off her ears so you may want to call the doctor and have his ears checked... she did it about 3 more times kind of in a 2 week period and we figured out that she was having growing pains so we tried rubbing her legs and giving her tylonol.. but it could just be that hes having bad dreams its hard to say when they cant tell you whats wrong... hope this helps! good luck

I used to have night terrors in the first grade. Try holding your son in front of the tv. That's what the doctor told my mom to do.

Our 5 yr old son has night terrors (We figured out its when he's too hot or in pain-like ear infection). When they happen he is not awake. He is absolutely screaming and doesnt let us hold him. We just talk to him and rub his back if he's still enough. In time, 10+ minutes, he settles back down and has no memory of it at all. Our daughter had simular episodes (but was awake-yet inconsolable) when she was 3 mo old and we found out she had acid reflux. Could your son have an ear infection and be waking up because it hurts? Good Luck.

My son also had this at about 1 yr and on and off until he was about 2. His pediatrician told me to gently blow in his face. Quick short bursts of air. This worked for us very well. When he would have these they were horrible! He would cry out for me but wouldn't wake up to know that I was there. But these short bursts of air gently in his face would wake him...without frightening him. He would see that I was there and have no memory of it and would go back to sleep.

Oh yes. My daughter always got those. They occur usually after a long day to where they havn;t slept enough or even ran around a lot.

Night terror info
What are night terrors?
Night terrors occur in at least 5 percent of young children, and can start as early as 9 months. These mysterious disturbances happen during deep, non-dreaming sleep. A child in this state will cry, whimper, flail, and even bolt out of bed. Though his eyes may be wide open, he's not awake and isn't aware of your presence. Once the night terror (which can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour or more) is over, your child will return to a sound sleep and have no memory of the incident in the morning.

How are night terrors different from nightmares?
Nightmares happen during rapid eye movement (REM) or dream sleep. A child who's had a nightmare is likely to have a fairly clear idea of what scared him, though he probably won't be able to articulate his fright until he's about 2. He may also be afraid to fall back asleep, and in the morning, he'll probably remember that he had a bad dream.

What should I do when my toddler has a night terror?
Of course, your first instinct will be to comfort him, but your efforts will most likely be futile (remember, he's not really awake and he's not aware of your presence). You just have to wait it out and make sure he doesn't hurt himself. Don't speak to him or try to soothe him, and don't try to shake or startle him awake or physically restrain him — all of which could lead to more frantic behavior. In 15 to 20 minutes, your child should calm down, curl up, and fall into a deep sleep again.

Is there anything I can do to prevent night terrors?
There are several steps you can take to reduce the chances that your toddler will have night terrors. First, make sure that he's getting enough sleep, since children who go to bed overtired are more likely to experience these sleep disturbances. To avoid fatigue, extend your toddler's nap time, let him sleep a little later in the morning, or put him to bed earlier at night. And be sure to schedule plenty of time for calming bedtime rituals, such as a bath, a song, a book, and lots of cuddling.

Since night terrors usually occur during the first part of the night, you could also try gently rousing your toddler after he's been asleep for an hour or two — about 15 minutes before the typical episode would start. This should alter his sleep pattern enough to head off the night terror at the pass.

All 4 of my kids have gone through the night terror stage. It can be so horrible not knowing how to console them and have them act like they don't even see you. I was always told to try to comfort them quietly but not intervene too much because they are still in a state of sleep. I think I tried everything but nothing seemed to work. They all grew out of it eventually thankfully. Sorry I am not much help with advice but just know your son isn't alone. It happens a lot I think.
K.

it very well could be night terrors, which it sounds like it is, but he could also be going through a growth spurt. my daughter usuallly takes a bottle right before bed and then sleeps about 10 hours before waking up for something to eat, but every few months when she has a growth spurt, she wakes for 3-4 nights in a row about 2 am hungry and wanting a bottle. she'll take a few onces and go right back to sleep.

normally things like night terrors are caused by a traumatic event for kids or adults. i would not put my money on that, have you talked with your doctor about this? maybe it is just a case of growth spurt and baby is growing rapidly and getting hungry more often. i would definately speak with your doctor about it. good luck