Night Terrors vs. Nightmares

Night Terrors vs. Nightmares: How to Tell the Difference and What to Do

Waking up to your child's screams in the middle of the night can be a truly terrifying experience for any parent. But is it a nightmare, or is it a night terror? While both can be frightening, understanding the key differences is crucial for knowing how to respond and when to seek professional advice.

What is a Nightmare?

A nightmare is a scary dream that occurs during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep. While dreaming happens throughout the night, the periods of REM sleep become much longer in the second half, making nightmares more common then.

How to Spot a Nightmare:

• Child is Awake and Aware: Your child will wake up fully and be able to recall the details of the dream. They may be scared, disoriented, or crying, but they will be aware of your presence.

• Responsive to Comfort: Your child will seek and respond to your hugs, words of reassurance, and presence.

• Location in the Night: Nightmares typically occur in the early morning hours.

• No Physical Activity: The child is usually still and calm, simply upset and crying.

What to Do During a Nightmare: The best thing you can do is offer immediate comfort and reassurance. Go to your child, let them know they are safe, and validate their feelings ("That was a very scary dream, but you are okay now"). A hug, a gentle back rub, or a soft song can help them calm down and go back to sleep.

What is a Night Terror?

A night terror (or sleep terror) is a parasomnia, a sleep disorder that occurs during the deepest stage of non-REM sleep. They are most common in the first few hours of the night. A child experiencing a night terror is not awake and is not dreaming. Their body is reacting to a sudden, partial arousal from deep sleep.

How to Spot a Night Terror:

• Child is NOT Awake: This is the most significant difference. Your child's eyes may be open and they may scream, thrash, or even talk, but they are still in a state of deep sleep. They will be unresponsive to you and will not recognize you.

• Not Responsive to Comfort: Trying to hold, hug, or soothe a child during a night terror can frequently make the episode worse. They may push you away or become more agitated.

• Physical Activity: The child may sit up, scream, thrash their arms and legs, or even run around the room. They may be sweating and have a racing heart.

• No Memory of the Event: The child will typically fall back into a deep sleep and have no memory of the episode the next morning.

What to Do During a Night Terror: Do not try to wake your child up. The best approach is to ensure their safety. Stay calm, speak in a gentle voice, and make sure they don't injure themselves by falling out of bed or bumping into furniture. Wait it out; the episode will usually resolve on its own in a few minutes. Once the terror passes, they will commonly go back to sleep.

When to Seek Professional Advice

While both nightmares and night terrors are generally normal parts of childhood development, it's wise to consult your pediatrician if:

• The episodes are frequent or become more intense.

• They are impacting your child's daytime mood or behavior.

• You are concerned about your child’s health or well-being.

Your doctor can offer reassurance, rule out any underlying health issues, and provide strategies to help your family cope with these nighttime disturbances.

If you're facing behavioral sleep challenges, please feel free to reach out to book your 30 minute Sweet Dreams Starter call to learn how I can help your family get the gift of sleep.

Yours in sleep,

Tracie / Rest Well Baby

www.restwellbaby.com

Tracie Kesatie is a Certified Gentle Sleep Coach dedicated to helping families with little ones 0-10 years of age achieve a restful night's sleep.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician for any concerns about your child's health.