Sleep terrors are akin to sleepwalking, because both occur in the deep stages of nondream sleep. Unlike someone having nightmares, a person with sleep terrors never actually awakens. In fact, they're difficult to rouse. And once they are awake, they can't remember what scared them or even that they jolted up in bed with a cry that would daunt Dracula. Ride it out, gently.
Sleep terrors are just part of the maturation process in kids.
The best thing you can do is console the sleeping person and guide them back into a lying position. If the behavior is potentially dangerous, extremely disruptive or bothersome to other family members, it may be treated with medication or behavioral therapy, says Dr. Mahowald. If you suspect that you have a medical problem, please seek competent medical care. The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your doctor.