The combination of night terrrors, a vivid imagination and scary material is a perfect storm for anxiety. I used to read horror stories during the day and be a complete basket case at night having full blown hallucinations. I still don't look out the window at night in case I see piggy eyes looking at me a la Amityville, or look in the mirror after washing my hands at night.
With our eldest DS we experienced night terrors and a hyper active mind that simply could NOT shut off. What actually ended up doing the most good was simply doing whatever we could to wear him out in the evening. Swimming, trampoline, soccer, etc. Sometimes we focus so much on our gifted kid's need for intellectual needs that we forget they're KIDS full of energy that needs a positive outlet. If we don't fulfill that need, there is a good chance sleep will evade such an active body and mind.
