Restfully Sleep Coach - Kida

There are a lot of misconceptions about nightmares and night terrors, particularly when it comes to the age at which they start.

Here are some facts about the two:

NIGHTMARES

• Nightmares are simply bad dreams

• Generally, infants and young toddlers do not experience nightmares until they begin to develop imaginations around age 2.

•If your child is under age 2 and wakes up crying, it's likely due to one (or more of the following): hunger, needing to be changed, an inability to fall asleep/back to sleep independently.

• Children generally remember their nightmares in the morning because they are scary. It may also be difficult for your child to fall back to sleep after a nightmare if they are still scared.

NIGHT TERRORS

• Night terrors typically begin around age 3

• They are a form of parasomnia (like sleepwalking/talking). A parasomnia is defined as a disorder characterized by abnormal or unusual behavior of the nervous system.

• They can be short or last up to 90 minutes

• They generally occur within the first few hours after bedtime

• Children are not aware of the night terror and it's best not to wake them up (it will be scarier for YOU than your child)

• Children generally do not remember the incident in the morning

As parents, we tend to look for answers to our children's cries. Nightmares and night terrors are easy to pin the blame on.

If your child is not at least 2 years of age or not exhibiting the typical signs of a nightmare or night terror, it's like your child is simply experiencing some sort of discomfort, or does not have the ability to fall back asleep unassisted.

If you're struggling, we're here to help.

Does your child experience nightmares or night terrors? Do you have questions? Drop them below!