How long does a child typically scream during a night terror episode?

During a night terror episode, children typically scream for a duration that ranges between 10 to 15 minutes. Night terrors occur during deep non-REM sleep, usually occurring in the early part of the night, and while the child may appear to be awake and in distress, they are not fully conscious and will generally not remember the event upon waking. The episode is characterized by loud crying, thrashing, and intense fear, which can be distressing for caregivers witnessing it. After roughly 10 to 15 minutes, the child usually calms down and falls back to sleep without any recollection of the episode. This duration is substantial enough to be alarming for parents, but understanding this typical timeline can help alleviate some anxiety surrounding the occurrence of night terrors.