What is the difference between a nightmare and night terrors?

A nightmare usually occurs during the REM cycle of sleep.  This is the light stage of sleep.  A nightmare often happens during the early hours of the morning.  A nightmare is a bad dream.  Children are able to be comforted during a nightmare.  Children are aware of their bad dream and remember certain aspects of the dream.  Night terrors often happen during the first two to three hours of sleep.  This is the deep sleep stage of sleep.  Your child is not awake.  They look like they are but they are not aware of having the night terror.  A child having a night terror is not able to be comforted. Some doctors do recommend reassuring a child during a night terror.  Others feel the child is not aware of your presence at this time.  A night terror can last 10 to 20 minutes.

What are the signs of a night terror?

Children who are experiencing a night terror may look to you as if they are awake.  Their eyes are usually open. The child may yell, thrash, is difficult to comfort has no memory of the incident, may have a sense of scary images, sweating, and rapid heart beat. He may look fearful.  He may be confused.

What should you do if your child is having a night terror?

You need to make sure your child is safe.  It is a good idea to stay nearby to ensure your child’s safety.  It is often frightening and frustrating for parents to observe their child having a night terror.  It is comforting to remember your child will not remember the night terror the next day.

Can night terrors be prevented?

Many children experience night terrors at about the same time each night.  It has been suggested to awaken your child fifteen minutes before the episode.  Have your child stay awake for five minutes.  Let them walk around the room.  Then have them go back to bed.  Try this for a week.  It may change your child’s sleep pattern.  Hopefully the night terrors will vanish.

Why is my child having night terrors?

Stress and being overtired can trigger night terrors.  Children having difficulty in school or at home can have night terrors.

Should I contact my physician?

If your child’s night terrors last for more than 30 minutes, occur more than once a week, interrupt your family’s sleep you should consider speaking with your physician.  Your doctor can help your determine the reasons for the episodes, recommend ways to help alleviate potential stress factors, and provide encouragement and support.  Sometimes it is comforting to talk to someone that is knowledgeable and understands how upsetting it can be to watch your child experience a night terror.

Please remember that I am just an e-mail away!  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance in any way.

Kathy Killough/CWA Counselor