Nightmares in Children: Causes and How to Handle Them
Nightmares and night terrors are common sleep disorders among children, often causing significant concern for parents.
Although both phenomena negatively impact sleep, they differ in causes and management approaches.
Nightmares are frightening dreams that typically occur during the second half of the night, during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase. They can wake the child, who may appear scared or confused.
Nightmares may result from exposure to scary content, such as movies or news, stress and anxiety, or even as a side effect of certain medications. Physical factors, such as extreme fatigue or an uncomfortable sleeping position, also play a role.
In contrast, night terrors happen during the early hours of sleep, in the deep sleep phase. They are characterized by episodes of screaming or violent movements. During these episodes, the child may appear awake but is not fully conscious and does not respond to soothing attempts.
-
Sleep paralysis: Symptoms to recognize
-
Sleeping in this position would reduce the risk of having bad dreams
These episodes usually last between five and ten minutes, and the child does not remember them the next morning.
To reduce nightmares and night terrors, it is recommended to establish a consistent and calming bedtime routine for the child while ensuring a quiet sleep environment. Avoid stimulating activities before bed, such as watching scary shows or eating right before going to sleep.
Providing emotional support to the child to help them cope with stress or anxiety, which may be triggering the nightmares, is also beneficial. Nightmares and night terrors are considered a normal part of a child’s developmental stages and often fade over time.
-
The Link between Parenting and a Child’s Risk of Developing ADHD
-
How Playing in the Mud Boosts a Child’s Immune System
