Raising Good Humans S2 Ep 28: Renowned Psychiatrist Dr. Helen Egger Talks About Nightmares vs Night Terrors
Nov 26, 2021
In this episode, Dr. Helen Egger, a leading expert in child psychiatry from NYU Langone Health, dives into the fascinating world of sleep disturbances in children. She clarifies the key differences between nightmares and night terrors, explaining how to respond appropriately to each. Dr. Egger also discusses the connection between sleep issues and anxiety, revealing how certain patterns might indicate deeper mental health concerns. Listeners will find valuable insights on managing children's sleep disruptions and understanding their emotional needs.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Soothing During Night Terrors
- Stay calm and soothe your child during a night terror without expecting them to be fully reachable or responsive.
- If your child allows it, gently rub their back or comfort them and then help them return to sleep.
Prevent Night Terrors By Managing Sleep
- Protect your child's sleep by ensuring adequate rest and avoiding missed naps or overtiredness to reduce night terrors.
- Be cautious when traveling or changing routines because those disruptions can trigger night terrors.
Twins' Simultaneous Night Terrors
- Dr. Helen Egger recounted that her twins experienced night terrors simultaneously, which felt terrifying for a parent.
- She described how one twin's terror triggered the other's, making regulation extremely difficult.