My 7 year old is suddenly waking up every night crying, shaking and sometimes seemingly confused. she has never done this before. she does have a cold for the past few days. any advice?

The spectrum of sleep walking, sleep talking and night terrors are relatively common in childhood.If the child doesn't immediately wake if you touch & try to console her she is in a deep sleep state, a night terror & not a nightmare.These are thought to represent reactions to sleep deficits. Improved sleep practices that add even a half hour/night can help.If not, consult with her pcp.