Nightmares vs. Night Terrors: Understanding and Managing Children’s Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disturbances in children can be a source of concern for parents. Two common nighttime experiences that children may face are nightmares and night terrors. While they can appear similar due to the child’s distress, there are significant differences between the two. In this blog, we will explore the dissimilarities, signs, and potential solutions for both nightmares and night terrors to help parents navigate these sleep disturbances effectively.

Nightmares

Age and Occurrence:

• Nightmares typically occur in children over the age of 2. Younger children are less likely to experience them.

• These distressing dreams are more likely to happen during the second half of the night when children are in the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep phase.

Signs of Nightmares:

• Children wake up in the second half of the night, usually after midnight.

• They are visibly upset but can seek comfort and communicate their fears.

• Comforting them helps calm them down quickly.

• They remember the dream and can talk about it the next day.

Solutions for Nightmares:

• Keep an eye out for major life changes (e.g., moving, starting school) that could trigger nightmares.

• Limit screen time within 90 minutes of bedtime, ensuring age-appropriate content.

• Acknowledge the nightmare but avoid excessive questioning; instead, engage in a positive conversation.

• Build strong connections with one-on-one playtime before bedtime.

• Consider nutrition, avoiding sugary or sleep-disrupting foods before bed.

• Maintain a room temperature between 18-22°C.

• Adjust bedtime if it has become too late.

Night Terrors

Age and Occurrence:

• Night terrors can be experienced by children as young as 18 months but are more common in those aged 3-4.

• They occur when a child is caught between deep and light sleep and do not involve dreams or visions.

Signs of Night Terrors:

• Children wake up before midnight, usually within the first few hours after falling asleep.

• They are visibly upset but do not respond to comfort and may even become more agitated when comforted.

• During night terrors, children may exhibit behaviors like walking around, sitting up in bed, kicking, crying, or displaying a blank stare.

• Their eyes may be open, and they may talk but not respond to verbal cues.

• Children do not remember the episode the next day.

• They easily return to sleep within 15 minutes and may even sleepwalk.

Solutions for Night Terrors:

• Adjust the child’s sleep schedule by making bedtime earlier or addressing any missed naps.

• Rule out underlying sleep issues such as sleep apnea or illnesses.

• Monitor for significant life changes that could contribute to night terrors.

• Limit screen time and ensure age-appropriate content before bedtime.

• Foster connections through gentle one-on-one playtime before sleep.

• Consider the child’s nutrition, avoiding sleep-disrupting foods.

• Maintain a room temperature between 18-22°C.

• Attempt a subtle intervention by entering the room 1.5 hours after they’ve fallen asleep, providing a kiss or whispering good night to potentially reset their sleep cycle.

Understanding the difference between nightmares and night terrors is crucial for parents. While both experiences can be distressing for children, knowing the signs and implementing appropriate solutions can help improve their sleep quality and provide parents with peace of mind. Always consult with a healthcare professional if sleep disturbances persist or worsen, as they may be indicative of underlying issues.