Management of Parainsomnias (night terrors, sleep talking
and walking)
These are not true sleep disorders or night-time arousals but occur in
deep sleep.
Night terrors, which cluster around 2–4 and 6–9 yrs, last 1–2 mins. The
child is usually inconsolable and has no memory for the event.
• No active treatment usually needed
• 6-wk trial of phenytoin or imipramine or hypnotics if severe and
persistent with injury risk
and walking)
These are not true sleep disorders or night-time arousals but occur in
deep sleep.
Night terrors, which cluster around 2–4 and 6–9 yrs, last 1–2 mins. The
child is usually inconsolable and has no memory for the event.
• No active treatment usually needed
• 6-wk trial of phenytoin or imipramine or hypnotics if severe and
persistent with injury risk