Night terrors and nightmares can be very distressing for both children and parents. While many children will experience them occasionally, ongoing night terrors or nightmares may indicate an underlying issue. This article provides information on managing night terrors and nightmares in children.
What’s The Difference Between Night Terrors And Nightmares?
Night terrors and nightmares have some similarities but also key differences. Night terrors typically occur in the first few hours of sleep and involve the child suddenly crying or screaming as if frightened. They may thrash around with their eyes open but will not be fully awake or responsive. Night terrors tend to happen during deep non-REM sleep. The child typically calms down within several minutes and has no memory of the event the next day.
In contrast, nightmares are bad dreams that cause the child to wake up fully. They usually happen during REM sleep later in the night. The child can usually recall details of the nightmare. Nightmares tend to cause feelings of fear, upset, or anxiety rather than the confusion and disorientation seen with night terrors.
What Causes Night Terrors And Nightmares?
Night terrors are caused by over-arousal of the central nervous system during deep sleep. Triggers can include sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, illness, some medications, or sudden noise or touch. Children tend to outgrow night terrors by adolescence, so if you are long-term fostering with fcascotland.co.uk, a child who suffers from night terrors will improve over time.
Nightmares are often caused by stressful or traumatic life events. Common triggers include bullying, trouble at school, family difficulties, injuries, scary media exposure, or abuse. Some children are simply more imaginative or anxious by nature. Sleep issues like sleep apnea can also contribute to nightmares.
Managing Night Terrors
As children usually outgrow night terrors, simple management steps are recommended:
- Maintain a regular sleep routine with an early bedtime.
- Avoid sleep deprivation or fatigue.
- Use white noise, blackout curtains, or weighted blankets to prevent abrupt waking.
- Comfort the child gently without fully waking them once the terror ends.
- Discuss any stresses or changes that could be reduced.
See a doctor if night terrors are frequent, persistent, or causing injuries or exhaustion. Underlying issues like sleep apnea may need treatment. Medication is rarely used.
Coping With Nightmares
For frequent nightmares, the following strategies may help:
- Talk it out. Discuss the content and themes of the nightmares and offer reassurance.
- Encourage expression through drawing or writing about bad dreams.
- Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or visualization. Use these before bed.
- Avoid scary media or news coverage before bed.
- Let the child sleep in or nap if lack of quality sleep could be a factor.
- Look for any sources of stress that could be addressed. Consult a counselor if needed.
- Use a night light, soothing music, familiar toys, or an open door to provide comfort.
Get medical advice if nightmares increase dramatically or severely disrupt sleep or behavior. Therapy may help address trauma, anxiety, or other mental health issues contributing to nightmares. Medication is rarely prescribed. With time, support, and the right coping strategies, most children can overcome night terrors and nightmares.
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