Ep. 8 | Nightmares, Night Terrors, and How to Help Them

In the peaceful quiet of night, a child’s sudden scream can shatter the calm, plunging parents into a world of fear and confusion. In this blog post, inspired by our latest podcast episode of Cozy Little Convos, we delve deep into the eerie world of children's nightmares and night terrors, sharing insights and strategies to help your little ones—and yourself—get a better night's sleep. 

Nightmares vs. Night Terrors: Know the Difference

It’s crucial for parents to distinguish between nightmares and night terrors as they impact children differently. Nightmares are frightening dreams that occur during REM sleep, usually in the latter part of the night. They can wake a child up, leaving them scared and seeking comfort. On the other hand, night terrors are more intense and occur during non-REM sleep, typically in the early part of the night. Children experiencing night terrors may scream, kick, or even sleepwalk, but they often remain asleep and usually do not remember the episode in the morning. 

Understanding these differences can significantly influence how you respond to an incident. While nightmares might require comfort and reassurance, night terrors often demand a more subtle approach, ensuring the child’s safety without fully waking them. 

Preventing the Nightly Frights: Simple Strategies 

One of the first steps in managing nightmares and night terrors is establishing a regular and relaxing bedtime routine. This might include reading a book, dimming the lights, and ensuring your child is not overtired or stressed before bed. Key triggers such as scary stories or movies, especially just before bedtime, should be avoided. It’s important to keep the consistency; replacing a missed nap with quiet time, as lack of sleep can often trigger disturbing sleep disruptions. 

Reducing stress and overstimulation before bed can also help. Night lights may seem like a soothing idea, but they can be stimulating for some children. If your child insists on a light, opt for one that's dim and placed out of direct sight. 

When Terrors Strike: Handling Nighttime Disruptions

If your child does experience a night terror, it’s essential to remain calm and patient. In the episode I share a personal story about handling a night terror during a long flight. Validation and calm assurance from parents can tremendously help in softening the impact without elevating the situation by trying to wake the child up. 

I also recommend quiet reassurance and making sure the child’s environment is safe if they tend to move around during a night terror. It’s also advisable not to discuss the incident in detail with the child the next morning, as this may lead to unnecessary worry or fear about sleeping. 

When to Seek Help

While occasional nightmares and night terrors aren’t typically cause for concern, frequent or extremely distressful episodes should be discussed with a pediatrician. Persistent sleep disturbances could be indicative of underlying stress or anxiety. 

Moreover, I suggest making sleep habits and any disturbances part of the conversation during regular checkups. This proactive approach allows for early detection of potential issues and provides a pathway for professional intervention if needed. 

Resources and Support

It is important to maintain a proactive and informed stance on your child's sleep health. I recommend utilizing available resources like my self-led sleep guides and age-appropriate sleep courses, many of which are accessible through our podcast's shared links and freebies page and below. 

Cultivating Calm

Remember, the objective isn't just to navigate through one frightening night but to foster an environment where all nights are filled with peaceful slumber. Reducing fear, managing stress, and creating a calming bedtime routine are steps on the path towards achieving tranquil nights for your child—and ultimately, for everyone in the household.

Connect with Alice:

• Instagram - @cozybabysleep
• Facebook - @cozybabysleep
• TikTok - @cozybabysleep
• Cozy Baby Sleep Links
• Website - www.cozybabysleep.com

Previous Episodes/Blog Posts:

• Fear of the Dark
• Loveys + Baby Sleep
• Free Toddler Bedtime Guide

WELCOME TO COZY LITTLE CONVOS

Have you ever stressed out over your baby or toddler's sleep? Are you tired of feeling like you are doing everything wrong? 

Well you're in the right place. In this podcast you will not only learn tangible tips and tricks to help your little one sleep better, but also how to do it with balance and confidence in yourself as the parent.

Hi! I'm Alice, Mum of 2 and certified sleep consultant. My sleep philosophy revolves around safe, loving, and research based sleep techniques while also holding space for real life. 

This is a zero judgment community of moms who want to get the best sleep for the whole family, in a way that makes them feel good!