Nightmare or Night Terror?

As parents, it can be distressing to see your child unsettled during the night, but understanding whether they’re experiencing a nightmare or night terror is key to providing the right kind of support. These two sleep disturbances are quite different in how they affect your child and how you should respond.

Nightmares

What are nightmares?
Nightmares are vivid, scary dreams that can jolt a child awake, leaving them feeling frightened and reluctant to go back to sleep. These unsettling dreams are common, especially in children between the ages of two to five, when their imaginations are vivid, and they’re still learning to differentiate fantasy from reality.

Nightmares can be triggered by stress, major life changes (like starting school or welcoming a new sibling), or even trauma. However, they can also occur without any identifiable reason. When your child wakes from a nightmare, they’ll recognize you and may recount details of the dream.

What to do if your child has a nightmare:

1. Offer comfort: Respond quickly to your child’s distress. Reassure them that they’re safe. Sit nearby until they fall back asleep.
2. Reduce scary stimuli: Avoid scary shows, books, or games, particularly before bedtime. Even news programs can be frightening for young children.
3. Create a positive bedtime routine: Discuss happy and calming topics during the bedtime routine to set a soothing tone for sleep.
4. Ensure adequate sleep: Sleep deprivation can increase the frequency of nightmares, so ensure your child gets enough rest.
5. Limit reliving the nightmare: Avoid asking your child for too many details about the nightmare, as it may amplify their fear.
6. Consider external factors: Check if medications, supplements (like melatonin), or conditions like sleep apnea might be contributing to sleep disruptions.

Night Terrors

What are night terrors?
Unlike nightmares, night terrors occur during the transition between deep sleep and lighter sleep. Your child might appear awake—screaming, crying, or thrashing—but they are not conscious or aware. They may not recognize you, and attempts to console them may not work.

Night terrors typically last 5–15 minutes and are more upsetting for parents than the child. Children often don’t remember the night terror at all. They often happen within the first few hours of sleep and can be triggered by sleep deprivation, developmental milestones, or stress.

What to do if your child has a night terror:

1. Stay calm and monitor: Avoid touching or speaking to your child, as this can prolong the episode.
2. Ensure safety: Make sure the area is free of hazards to prevent injury during thrashing.
3. Don’t discuss it the next day: Children usually don’t recall night terrors, so discussing it may create unnecessary anxiety.
4. Address sleep habits: Ensure your child gets enough sleep by maintaining a consistent bedtime and, if needed, adding an earlier bedtime or naps.
5. Log sleep patterns: Track when the terrors occur and try gently waking your child 15 minutes before their usual time to disrupt the cycle.

Nightmare or Night Terror: Key Differences