This is quite common in infants and toddlers. Episodes may begin with movement and moaning, and may progress to quite agitated and confused behaviour. The infant may cry intensely, toddlers may cry out and thrash about. Although the little one appears to be alert, they do not respond when spoken to.
This is quite an alarming situation for parents who may try to rouse the little one in an attempt to console them. It will take quite a bit to waken the child and trying to do so is only likely to prolong the arousal. If the child is woken there is also the possiblity that they are likely to be confused and upset.
These arousals can last five to fifteen minutes, only occasionally a little longer. The little one will calm by themselves and return to sleep once it is over. These events more commonly take place in the earlier part of night sleep, before midnight, but can occasionally happen later.
Preventing such occurances requires that the child has a good sleep/wake routine. Children who are overtired or have not had a good and regular sleep pattern are more prone to these events than those whose usual sleep pattern is good.
If you struggle with a child who frequently exhibits this behaviour, Contact Dream-Angus, we can help you to help your child to sleep better.
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