Parenting Australia

Nightmares and Night terrors

Night terrors: Night terrors usually occur in the first half of the night a few hours after the child has gone to sleep. Often the child’s eyes are still closed and they appear half asleep as if sleep walking, despite the screaming and distress. It is often difficult to comfort the child and this can be very distressing for the parents. Waking the child may give them a fright and make it harder for them to get back to sleep. Sometimes fevers or overheating can trigger night terrors. If this is the case for your child remove some covers or clothing and offer a drink of water. Parents can assist the child in calming down by gently soothing or cuddling the child (but not attempting to wake them) until they are calm enough to return to sleep and preventing them from hurting themselves. Night terrors are common in toddlers and primary school aged children.

Nightmares: Nightmares also referred to as bad dreams, usually appear in the early morning dream sleep and are often triggered by worries or events in the daytime or thoughts before bedtime. Often the child wakes in distress with their eyes open and may find it difficult to get back to sleep because they are frightened by what they remember. Staying with the child to reassure and soothe them will help them calm again for sleep. If necessary sing a few songs, read a gentle story or put on some relaxing music to help take their mind off the nightmare. If the child wants to discuss the story behind the nightmare this may give parents an idea of what is triggering them. Night mares are common from the toddler age and older when the imagination kicks in and they are being influenced by other children or events.

Tips to help prevent nightmares and night terrors:

=> Encourage a consistent routine and bedtime each night.

=> Offer gentle, calming activities before bed.

=> Choose gentle, happy stories before bed.

=> Eliminate tv/dvd’s/computer games before bed

=> Remove tv’s, computers, electronic games from bedroom to prevent unsupervised use.

=> Revise linen and covers on the bed and choice of pyjamas or sleeping bags.

=> Encourage a small drink with cleaning of the teeth before bed but not too much fluid.

=> Take note of the theme of the nightmares that your children share with you.

=> Enquire with your child’s daycare centre/preschool/school about monitoring any unpleasant experiences either socially or academically which may be contributing to your child’s night mares.

=> Try a soothing cd on repeat all night to encourage a restful sleep such as “Music for Dreaming” or a meditation cd.

© 2008 Natalie Ebrill- Sleep and Settle-Baby Sleep Consultant 0-5 yrs

RN, Child and Family Health Nurse. Mother of three.

I want to give you your life back! Would you appreciate being empowered with an understanding of your baby's needs and a gentle strategy that you apply to your baby/toddler's personality? Do you feel like you've read everything and nothing is working?

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