Not Night Terrors but Night Anger

[BlueCornflower]

My DD (4 this week) regularly has what is pretty much night terrors - screaming in the middle of the night, kicking out if I try and touch her, but is fast asleep and has no knowledge of it in the morning. However, she is not afraid - but cross. She gets really really angry. I'm not really looking for advice as I know I just have to ride it out. I just wondered if anyone else had experienced this. I've never read about it in any book about sleep problems.

Its good to hear I'm not alone! My DT2 (4 in Dec) does this too, has done for ages - she kicks and screams, gets cross with her duvet and PJs, takes them off in her sleep, won't be cuddled or comforted then falls asleep again . I have learnt to ignore it and tell the difference between this and a genuine call for comfort or help, but it still wakes me and I'm still lying there listening long after she's calmed down!

I suggest that you both might like to think about shiatsu (I would say acupuncture but I do not know how they would be with needles). Might sound cooky but I used to treat an 11 year old with shiatsu - he had stomach migraines and nightmares. If you cannot find a shiatsu practitioner in your area you could try massaging your kids feet - it helps to bring energy away from the head and has a calming effect.

ooh rumpel that's worth thinking about, thanks - she loves to be stroked whilst falling asleep and to have her feet massaged so I'll try that next time it happens

Well I'm open to any suggestions. Can't exactly think she'll want me near her feet when she's angry but I'll try! If not, I'll see if she enjoys it when I put her to bed. Thanks!

No -you massage her feet before bed. You could also try Bach Flower Remedies - Rock Rose is for terror - White Chestnut is for unwanted thoughts - put 2 drops in their milk/night drink.
There is a good point on the wrist below the little finger - place your thumn in the dip just below the outside edge of the hand (but on the wrist) if they are having a terror - it is a great point for calming the emotions.

Oh okay - I get it! I've found the place on the wrist. My mum uses lots of Bach Flower stuff so she would give me the same advice! Mums eh!

My DD had the same- I called it night tantrums. She grew out of it after a few months, and is fine now (touch wood).

Rachmumof2 - how old was your DD then?

She was 4 in May, and they started when she was about 3 1/2 and ended about a month ago, with the gap between them getting longer towards the end. They weren't every night, even at their worst. But it is so scary, as they lose complete focus. She would scream 'Nooo I want my mummy' and I would be there in front of her, trying to soothe her, but she didn't see me. But she was definately having a tantrum rather than terrrors, there was no fear, just anger.