Nightmares VS night terrors - How to tell the difference
When your child starts screaming in the middle of the night and jolts you awake, it can be incredibly distressing for parents and rightly so. This kind of screaming can also go along with thrashing, aggression, hitting and parents can feel really stressed by this.
Nightmares and night terrors are commonly used as interchangeable terms but actually they are different phenomenons. How do you know which is which?
Let's take a look...
Night terrors
These happen when you little one is partially aroused from the deepest part of their sleep (they aren't actually awake but aren't fully asleep either). Night terrors are often seen in the first couple of hours after your toddler has gone to bed for the night and are the most common from 2-4 years of age. Your toddler will not remember the night terror (which is why it is important to avoid waking them from it). It can be quite disturbing to watch which is why parents often try and wake their child.
What are the characteristics of a night terror?
Child may wake up suddenly in a panic screaming
Not responsive to your voice or touch
Can appear frightened and/or disorientated
Typically occur before midnight
Appear awake but vague/distant
Can appear aggressive (including thrashing and kicking)
Inconsolable
Won’t remember a thing the next day
Most will last 15-30 min or longer in some cases
How can you help your child through a night terror?
Make the sleep environment safe
Avoid touching them and restricting their movement
Provide verbal reassurance
Talk openly about it the next day, providing positive reassurance and 1:1 time
Avoid waking them
Frequency of night terrors increase with overtiredness - focus on day routine and early bedtime if they've recently dropped their nap! Avoid screen time in the 1-2 hours before bed.
Nightmares
Nightmares are most common after midnight and in the early hours of the morning. They occur in the lighter phases of sleep (REM - rapid eye movement and Dream Sleep). They start around 2.5 years of age typically - which coincides with a huge cognitive developmental change period including broadening imagination.
What are the characteristics of a nightmare?
Your child may wake up scared/fearful and upset but can talk and interact with you
They will be responsive when you provide reassurance
They will remember the nightmare and being upset and can talk to you about it
It can take time for them to wind down after a nightmare and go back to sleep
Toddlers and younger children may struggle to understand the threat/dream isn't real
How can you help your child through a nightmare?
Communication is key! Have an open chat about the nightmare and see if you can pinpoint where the fear has come from. E.g is it linked to a movie they have watched, a story they have heard or shadows on the wall
Give your child a comforter or a toy they have a strong bond with to help them feel more at ease in bed
Take the time to listen and validate how your child is feeling. What they are feeling isn't silly, it's very real for them.
Consider introducing a nightlight
Avoid dismissing the nightmare
If you have any concerns about your child's behaviour seek medical advice from your Maternal and Child Health Nurse and/or GP.
Keen for 1:1 sleep support with Jazz? Book in a 15 minute chat here to discuss which package would best suit your family.
Jazz is the Founder of Let's Sleep. She is an Infant and Child Sleep Consultant, Midwife, MCHN, Nurse an d Mum. Based on the Mornington Peninsula, VIC. Jazz is an experienced in home sleep consultant and also supports families with a range of virtual packages and eBooks.