Some children suddenly wake up in the middle of the night, trembling and crying uncontrollably. Their eyes may remain closed, and even when their parents attempt to comfort them, they do not respond. This phenomenon can occur even in children as young as five years old.

If your child wakes up screaming, appears terrified, and fails to recognize you despite appearing to be awake, it may not simply be a common nightmare. In medical terminology, this condition is referred to as "sleep terror." Neurologists advise parents that, before panicking, they should first understand exactly what this condition entails.

Sleep terror is a sleep-related disorder typically observed in children between the ages of 3 and 12. During an episode of this disorder, the child may appear to be awake; however, they are actually in a deep stage of sleep and are not fully conscious. Several videos that have recently gone viral have sparked anxiety among many parents.

These episodes typically occur within the first few hours after falling asleep—often between 11:00 PM and midnight. The child may suddenly sit up, scream, cry loudly, or attempt to get out of bed. During these episodes, they typically do not respond to their parents.

Experts state that common triggers for this condition include fatigue, insufficient sleep, stress, illness, or changes in daily routine—such as starting a new school or moving to a new environment. A family history of sleep terrors may also increase the risk of developing this disorder.

Parents are advised not to forcibly wake the child during a sleep terror episode. Since the child is technically still asleep at that moment, attempting to wake them abruptly may cause further confusion or distress. Instead, gently ensure their safety and guide them back into bed. Ensure that the child's sleeping area is safe and free from sharp edges or objects over which they might trip and fall. To improve sleep quality, establish a regular bedtime and limit screen time before going to sleep.

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