Jan said,
>>I wonder how many "night terrors" could be averted in children who
co-sleep. Not just the run-of-the-mill nightmares, but the "terrors" in
which children
>>are sleep screaming and aren't really awake -- can't awaken to tell the
parents what the problem is.

My oldest daughter began having night terrors at 10 mths and still has them
every 3-4 mths.  She has always slept in our bed.  I can awaken as she
starts whimpering in her sleep and nothing at all will alleviate the
inevitable.  I have tried snuggling against her at the onset, picking her up
and rocking her, carrying her to another room that is dimly lit to provide
visual distraction, nursing her.  She is not coherent, even if we go into
the living room and turn on the tv.  We just have to ride it out.

I am a very strong supporter of the family bed and feel sorry for any child
made to sleep elsewhere.  Unfortunately, I don't think being in the family
bed will eliminate night terrors.  They may eliminate nightmares if the
child is stressed at being alone.  But night terrors aren't the same thing
as nightmares.  I noticed a correlation between her night terrors and having
a particularly exciting or tiring day.  Even after noticing these days,
having a nice long soothing evening to wind down does not prevent them.  I
also notice that she is more sensitive than my youngest, who at 16 mths has
never had a night terror.

It is gut-wrenching for the parent to not be able to do anything to make
them stop.  Fortunately after the episode passes, she dozes off (not an
exhausted passing out) and doesn't seem to remember them the next morning.

Shannon

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