Nightmares & Night Terrors
Seeing your child distressed at nighttime can be so hard. Parents often have questions about nightmares and night terrors, and how to know the difference. Here are some tips to help.
Nightmares
What are they?
Nightmares are scary dreams that happen during REM sleep. They can happen at any age. They often reflect a developmental stage - toddlers may dream about separation from parents and preschoolers may dream about concrete things like monsters or the dark.
What do they look like?
+ They often happen later at night (REM sleep)
+ Your child may cry or scream out for you
+ They are awake and can be comforted
+ Your child often remembers what happened the next morning
What To Do
Comfort. Reassure your child that they are safe.
Try a Lovey. Give them a lovey or toy - this is a concrete, tangible thing (great for the developmental stages of toddlers and preschoolers) to hold that can help them feel comfort at night.
Talk about it. Help them talk about it during the day - retelling the story will help them process things that they remember.
Bedtime Routine. Create a calming bedtime routine.
When To Call Your Pediatrician
Check with your pediatrician if your child is/has:
+ Nightmares that are becoming more frequent or severe over weeks
+ Fears that creep into daytime and interfere with daytime activities
+ Snoring and/or gasping, choking, pauses in breathing at nighttime
+ With any questions or concerns
Night Terrors
What are they?
Night terrors can be very scary. They are a partial waking from sleep, usually early in the sleep cycle (first ⅓ of the night). They often happen in children aged 3-6 years old. There may be a genetic component in families.
What do they look like?
+ They may scream, cry, jump out of bed, or seem very agitated
+ Your child’s eyes are wide open but he or she does not know that you are there
+ They are frightened but aren’t awake to be comforted
+ Can last from 10-30 minutes
+ Your child may not remember the episode the next morning.
What To Do
The Hardest Thing. I know this is hard, but try not to wake your child out of their terror. Simply be present and try your best to soothe them - use a calm voice, hold them if they will let you, reassure them.
Keep Them Safe. Make sure that they are not near a stairway, running into things like walls or furniture, etc. Try your best to guide them to bed or a safe place.
Routines. Sometimes children who are overtired are more prone to night terrors - try your best to get them into a routine that helps them get the best sleep they can, napping or resting during the day, and a bedtime that works for them and the family.
When To Call Your Pediatrician
Check with your pediatrician if your child is/has:
+ Drooling, jerking or stiffening
+ Episodes that last longer than 30 minutes
+ Interrupting sleep on a regular basis (more than 1-2x/week)
+ You notice any other symptoms
+ Has other medical conditions (reflux, asthma, etc.)
+ Takes any medications (potentially side effects)
+ Stress or anxiety during the day
+ Snoring and/or gasping, choking, pauses in breathing at nighttime
+ With any questions or concerns
Tip:
Writing down these events (times at night and length) + any accompanying symptoms can help you and your care team diagnose + manage these episodes.
I know this can all be hard - I promise, it will get easier. You’re doing so great.
