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Waking to the sound of your little one in the throes of a night disturbance can be heart wrenching for any parent. While it's distressing to witness, understanding the difference between night terrors and nightmares, as well as ways to comfort and potentially reduce their occurrence, can help parents respond in the most supportive way. Let's jump into these two sleep disturbances, recognizing their unique characteristics, and offering strategies for comfort.
Night Terrors
What are they?
Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, occur during the deep stages of non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. They are partial awakenings and can be likened to being stuck between a state of sleep and wakefulness.
Symptoms
Intense crying or screaming, with a look of terror
A lack of responsiveness and memory of the episode
Little to no responsiveness to attempts at consolation
No memory of the episode the next morning
Typical age of occurrence
Night terrors are more common in children aged between 2 to 6 years, though they can occur at other ages as well.
Nightmares
What are they? Nightmares are bad dreams that occur during REM sleep. Unlike night terrors, children usually remember at least parts of their nightmare.
Symptoms
Clear memory and possible detailed recounting of the dream
A desire for consolation upon waking
Being able to describe the dream in detail
Seeking comfort upon waking
Potential difficulty returning to sleep
Typical age of occurrence
While they can happen at any age, nightmares typically start around the age of 2 when a child's imagination begins to develop.
Recognizing the Difference
Memory: A key difference between night terrors and nightmares is recall. After a night terror, your child won't remember the event. After a nightmare, they typically will.
Level of awareness: During a night terror, your child may seem awake but isn't fully conscious. With nightmares, they are fully awake and can interact with you.
Offering Comfort and Prevention
General Tips
Avoid Overtiredness: An overtired child is more prone to night disturbances. Try to ensure your little one is getting enough sleep for their age in a 24 hour period.
Screen Time: Try to eliminate screen exposure, be it TV, iPads, or other devices, at least 1-2 hours before bedtime.
Content Awareness: If your little one does watch TV, try to be mindful of what they watch. Avoid content with 'bad guys' or themes that might be distressing.
Limit Sugary Foods: Especially in the afternoon and evening, as they can disrupt sleep patterns.
Quality Time: Spend one-on-one moments in your little ones bedroom, engaging with their toys and comfort items. Emphasize how cozy and inviting their sleeping environment is.
For Night Terrors
Stay Calm: Remember it's often more alarming for you than them.
Safety First: If they're out of bed, gently guide them back without waking them.
Wake-to-Sleep Approach: If you notice a pattern in the timing of night terrors, consider waking your child up gently 15-30 minutes before they typically occur (for a brief moment or even a quick potty break) to alter their sleep cycle and bypass the night terror phase.
For Nightmares
Dream Catchers: Introduce a dream catcher above their bed. Explain its purpose as a guardian that catches and dispels bad dreams, instilling a sense of safety.
Active Reassurance: Comfort them, allowing them to discuss their dream and reassure them of their safety.
Positive Bedtime Stories: Narrate or read positive, calming stories to help them drift off with an upbeat mindset.
Both night terrors and nightmares can be alarming, but understanding their differences and knowing how to respond can ease the situation for both parent and child. Always consult with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's sleep disturbances. If you're concerned about your child's sleep pattern, check out our sleep packages for tailored guidance to for restful sleep for your little one.
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