Amanda Dounis, is a leader in kids, tweens and teens coping skills. A professional award-winning leader in the early childhood industry, Amanda has added wonderful tools to her therapy practice. Amanda says it's difficult for these kids working through these challenging years.
Nighttime terrors can be a distressing experience for both children and their parents. These episodes, which are different from nightmares due to their occurrence during non-REM sleep, often leave children terrified and parents feeling helpless. Fortunately, hypnotherapy offers several strategies that can effectively soothe and prevent these episodes. Here’s a guide for parents on how hypnotherapy can help manage nighttime terrors in young children.
Understanding nighttime terrors
Nighttime terrors are characterised by intense episodes of fear that occur during the early phases of sleep. Children experiencing a terror may scream, thrash, and appear extremely frightened, yet they are asleep and will have no memory of the event the next morning. These episodes are more common in children aged 3-12 years and usually diminish as the child grows.
How hypnotherapy can help
Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool in addressing nighttime terrors by influencing the subconscious mind. The techniques used can help children manage stress and anxiety, which are often triggers for these episodes.
1. Relaxation techniques
Guided Imagery: Teach children to envision a safe and calm place. Practicing this technique during the day can help them enter sleep more relaxed.
Deep Breathing Exercises: Simple breathing techniques can help children calm their mind and body before bedtime, making them less prone to terrors.
2. Positive affirmations
Reinforcing positive thoughts and self-statements can boost a child's confidence and reduce fear. Phrases like "I am calm and safe at night" can be repeated during hypnosis sessions and before bed.
3. Desensitisation
Gradually exposing the child to the concept of nighttime and sleep without fear, through controlled and gentle discussion of their fears, can reduce the intensity of terrors.
4. Routine and consistency
A predictable, soothing bedtime routine can help mitigate anxiety related to sleep. Incorporate elements like reading a favourite book or a warm bath to signal a safe end to the day.
Tips for parents
Maintain a sleep diary: Keeping track of sleep patterns can help identify triggers and signs leading up to a terror episode.
Ensure a comforting environment: A nightlight, favourite toy, or soft music can make the child feel safer and more secure.
Avoid overstimulation: Reduce exposure to stimulating activities or screens at least an hour before bedtime.
Engage in open communication: Encourage your child to talk about their fears. Acknowledge and validate their feelings without reinforcing fears.
Seeking professional help
If nighttime terrors persist or worsen, it may be beneficial to consult a hypnotherapist who specialises in paediatric care. A professional can tailor interventions to suit your child’s specific needs, ensuring a more targeted and effective approach.
Conclusion
While nighttime terrors can be alarming, they don’t have to disrupt your child's or your family's peace. Hypnotherapy offers valuable tools that empower children to overcome their fears and improve their sleep quality. With patience and consistent practice, hypnotherapy can be a gentle and effective solution to ensuring your child feels safe and secure throughout the night.
Adding a soothing bedtime story can be a wonderful way to engage a child’s mind with comforting thoughts and help shift their focus away from any fears. Here’s a gentle story you can include in your article for parents to tell their children during moments of distress:
The adventure of Luna and the starry night
Once upon a time, in a tranquil village nestled among the hills, there lived a little owl named Luna. Luna loved the night sky more than anything. Each night, she would perch on her favourite tree and watch the stars twinkle like tiny lanterns.
One starry night, Luna felt adventurous and decided she wanted to visit the moon. She flapped her wings and set off into the cool night air, soaring higher and higher until the village looked like a patchwork quilt below her.
As Luna flew closer to the moon, she realised it was not alone. The moon was having a tea party with the stars! The moon saw Luna and invited her to join. "Come, Luna," the moon called. "Join us for some moonbeam tea and starlight cakes."
Luna was delighted. She sat between the moon and the brightest star, who told jokes and funny stories. Luna laughed and laughed until her wings fluttered with joy. The stars twinkled merrily, each one sharing tales of the magical things they saw from the sky.
After the party, Luna felt a warm glow in her heart. The moon, seeing how happy Luna was, gave her a special gift—a tiny silver feather. "This feather will remind you that you are always welcome here, and whenever you feel scared or alone, remember our light is watching over you," the moon whispered.
With the silver feather tucked safely under her wing, Luna flew back home. She knew that no matter where she was, she could always look up at the night sky and feel the comforting presence of her new friends.
Back on her favourite tree, Luna looked up at the sparkling sky. She felt safe and loved, and with a peaceful heart, she drifted into a sweet, deep sleep.
Ending note for parents
This story can be a calming tool for your child, shifting their thoughts to a whimsical adventure that leaves them feeling safe and secure. Stories like these stimulate the imagination and provide a mental refuge from any unsettling dreams. When you tell this story, use a soft and soothing voice to help your child relax and drift back to sleep feeling protected and loved.
Amanda Dounis, Counsellor, NLP, Psychotherapist, Coach, Teacher
Amanda Dounis, is a leader in kids, tweens and teens coping skills. A professional award-winning leader in the early childhood industry, Amanda has added wonderful tools to her therapy practice. Amanda says it's difficult for these kids working through these challenging years. So she enthusiastically joins their ride to show them to smooth over bumpy roads and keep moving forward. In the end, it's the challenges that give them the opportunity to practice their coping skills. She certainly promotes self-empowerment through courage and curiosity.
