Nightmares and Night Terrors are some of the most unsettling
situations for parents as they are generally awakened by their
child's terrified screams and crying. To parents in the dead of
night, it probably doesn't matter whether it is a nightmare or a
night terror, since their only concern is for their child's
welfare. In fact, most parents probably do not realize there is
actually a difference between the two.
Nightmares - Frequently nightmares take place during the sleep
phase known as REM stage usually toward the end of the night. The
child awakens terrified from sleep and may possibly start
screaming, crying or run into his parents' bedroom. The child is
definitely awake and is usually able to remember at least enough
of the dream to know what scared him.
What Causes Nightmares?
It is important to realize nightmares are a natural part of
growth and development. In young children it may be due to the
pressure of learning how to cope with the stresses they face in
their daily lives. Perhaps a traumatic event, such as, attending
a new school may be the underlying source. The child may even be
sick with a fever.
How to Handle Nightmares
1. Parents can use soothing reassurance. The darkness of night
can be a frightening place to a young child. Therefore, it is
comforting for a parent to hold their child and allow them to
feel safe and secure for a little while. Constantly reminding
them it was only a dream.
2. Parents should gently try to persuade the child to tell them
about their dream. With just one or two words, like "bad man" or
"lion" might be the only way very young children are able to
express the dream. However, an older child might be able to
relate a more thorough account of the nightmare. By permitting
the child to recall the dream, the parent may gain an insight
into what was the primary cause of the dream. For instance, the
child is afraid of the dog next door or a test he or she has to
take in school.
3. Parents should continue assuring the child that they will not
allow any harm to come to him. Then when the child has settled
down some, the parent should encourage him to return to sleep.
4. Parents can empower the child. In the morning, the parent
should remind the child about their dream and show them that they
can change its outcome. For example, they can tell the child they
are able to defeat and imprison the monster instead of being
chased by it. The child can demand that the scary dog must go
home!
Prevention - If your child is prone to nightmares, monitor his
television viewing habits. For instance, you may wish to wait
until your child's bedtime before watching upsetting or
frightening programs. Make sure that he does not read any scary
books either.
Night Terrors - They occur much less often than nightmares. They
take place during the deepest non-REM sleep stage usually
occurring in the first part of the night. Here the child awakens
in terror often screaming, sitting up in bed with eyes staring
wide open. Other symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, breathing
heavily or perspiring. It can be difficult to awaken the child.
Very often the child is unable to remember the dream that scared
him or her and awakes in the morning having no recollection of
having had a problem the night before.
How to Handle Night Terrors
1. If possible, the parents should try to hold and comfort the
child.
2. The parents should remove anything nearby that the child may
hurt himself with.
3. If the child is not awake, the parents should not try to
awaken him. Then when he is calmed down, they should return him
to sleep.
4. In the morning, it is best not to mention what happened the
night before.
Prevention - A possible solution is to disrupt the sleep cycle.
After the child has been sleeping for a little while, the parent
can softly arouse him. Then talking quietly or tenderly kissing
him send him back to sleep. Stress and exhaustion can also bring
on night terrors. So keeping the child to a regular nap and sleep
schedule is recommended.
Thankfully, most nightmares and night terrors eventually resolve
by themselves. However, if you feel your child requires
professional help, by all means seek someone who is qualified in
this area, as this article is not meant to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
