Hi there,
My DS has just turned 4, and for the past 2 years suffers from intermittent night terrors. They are so severe, I am constantly anxious as soon as he's in bed incase one is brewing.
He opens his eyes when he has them but is asleep! Last night he was screaming, honestly screeching like I've never heard, screaming to go away, and in the next breath screaming for me to help him. He definitely doesn't realise it's actually me to start with. Eventually he clicks and runs to me and just sobs and shakes uncontrollably. It is honestly horrifying to see him so distressed. I've had the neighbours banging on the wall for him to shut the f up which doesn't help my anxiety around the situation. I honestly don't know what to do, or how to handle them when they occur. Does anyone have experience in this, or that can offer advice to help him?
He's a very happy child. He's never been traumatised or had any type of incident that could trigger them. The only thing I can think of is he is particularly "afraid" of one pre school child, but I've spoken with them several times and he seems fine there and then decides the child is super mean when he gets home.
My DD had them too, more frequently but less severe. She would calm as soon as I sat with her. I remove him from the situation, try wake him, cool flannel, shush it's mummy it's ok, soothing songs, his favourite toy, I've snapped my fingers to try snap him awake and realise it's me - I literally don't know what else to do. Please help.