Question
I have a niece of 9 year old, the daughter of my elder brother. The child is showing a behavious since last 2-3 weeks as she got afraid from some usneen creatures. This happen 30-60 min after she went to sleep. This episode of fear and cry lasts for 10-15 min. She behaves as someone is frightening her, she cries, screams and weeps. After this, she again goes to bed and asleep. In the morning, she dont remember any thing........I have read in literature that this behaviour in child of this age is called Pavor Nocturnus.......Your king openion and help in this regard would be useful for us..........Thanks
Answer
While Im not familiar with that disorder, you can go to sleepnet.com click on childrens disorders they list them all. Howev er I do know that usually children suffer from nightmares and outgro this. I suggest you keep her away 3 hours before her bedtime from the following foods, caffeine, tea, coffee, caramel colored soda like coke, pepsi, gingerale, root beer, and chocolate, all these make for disruptive sleep. 30 minutes before her bedtime a hot bath have her put her palms of her hands under the water, the latest reseach out of john hopkins suggest that the palms nerve sensations when under water tell the brain its time to relax for bedtime, and finally l5 minutes before her bedtime have her drink a glass of warm milk. Milk when heated contains tryptophan , a natural amino acid sleep inducer so a drink may do the trick, also i would suggest that you let her sleep with the light on then close it when she is sleeping, also re- assure her its just a bad dream. as long as she is not twitching or shaking when this happens or foaming at the mouth, that is a sleep seizure. If it persists and her daytime alertness is being affected then you should consider a sleep center, but for now try these tips. Your local hospital can refer you to a sleep center, but sleepnet.com has a great children website.also talk about sleep.com have free radio shows where you can follow on line and pose your question to a sleep md.feel free to email again karel
