Night Terrors

Published

Hi all,

A counselor of a junior boys cabin (ages 7-9) came to me this morning after a rough night of little sleep (2nd night of camp session). On the first night of camp, one of his campers had night terros and last night two out of his eight campers had night terrors at different points throughout the night. The kids are both happy and fine today, and don't remember bad dreams, but do remember being woken by the counselor.

I spoke with the campers' parents and they said their kids do this pretty regularly at home. One of the children takes gaunfacine for ADHD but his parents say the night terrors have been an issue long before starting on the med.

I'm used to one kid at a time having these, but not used to supporting kids who are having them in a cabin shared with 10 people. If this keeps up, it's not sustainable to have counselors get up each time to wake and settle the child...but is it safe to let them play it out and go back to sleep? The counselor is asking if he can wear earplugs at night, so long as I think it's safe to let the kids just get back to sleep on their own...but I'm uncertain.

Any experience with this?

Your thoughts are appreciated!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Have you asked the parents how they handle the night terrors at home? And the even bigger question- why didn't the parents share this information ahead of time!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

No earplugs!!! He has to be available for emergencies.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

It would be my opinion that this is not a medical issue. I would boot it to the head staff, or director to work with the staff, child, and parent to solve the issue.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks all, this is why I like to post here - I get reassured of my thinking by nurse colleagues when I'm the lone nurse in a sea of camp staff!

When I spoke with the parents, I asked them about coping and management of the night terrors at home and have passed the info on to the counselors for that cabin. I've deferred to the senior staff and director with the issue so I do not need to follow it anymore :)

There has been a significant number of campers who have info omitted from their health forms. The missing information either comes to light upon health centre check-in on the first day or not until something like this pops-up and I have to call parents. Annoying!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care.
Have you asked the parents how they handle the night terrors at home? And the even bigger question- why didn't the parents share this information ahead of time!

I agree with this. When you talk to the parents, ask what the pattern is. Also do some research on sleep walking and night terrors.

This next part is advice coming from "Mommy".

I have a child who sleep walks, which can follow a similar pattern to sleep terrors. I tracked her patterns and have it down to a science now, which is why your camper's parents might be able to tell you exactly what you can do. For my little girl, it occurs in times when she's more stressed out or anxious. At 7, she's not able to vocalize this very well, so often it's a total surprise when it happens, but will happen multiple nights each period we see it happen.

When I can predict it will happen, I know it will be almost exactly 90 minutes after she falls asleep. This is actually a very typical time for this to happen for sleep walking and sleep terrors kids. It's at the point of the first sleep cycle of the night when they are most susceptible to their bodies waking while their brains are still sleeping.

When I think it will happen, I wake her up just a little bit a few minutes before I'd expect her to sleep walk. If your camper's parents know when he usually wakes up, this would be my very first recommendation. (Again, from "Mommy", who is in no way allowed to dispense medical advice. :) )

As for the counsellors using ear plugs, no, no, no! This camper is at increased risk of injury or elopement, especially if his terrors involve leaving his bed. Ensuring doors are secured, he's in a low bunk, and there are no immediate fall risks in the path he might take is vital.

At the very least, neighboring children need reassurance from the counselor on duty that the child actually is okay. This isn't likely something the other kids have seen before. Heck, my son has never even seen his sister do it. And trust me - it's crazy freaky to see. I'm talking Children of the Corn freaky. First time my daughter did it, I (an atheist) was ready to call a priest to exorcise whatever demon had her talking in tongues. The counsellors need to be present.

Another thought when talking to the parents - be sure to ask what might comfort the camper if he's feeling embarrassed to be having this happen. If the other campers are witnessing it, he may need some reassurance, too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care.

I just reread your OP and realized its two campers. Still same advice but wanted to acknowledge I'd missed that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion