Older toddlers and preschool age children may have nightmares or night terrors. Most all children will experience nightmares at some point in their childhood. However, only 5% of children experience night terrors. What is the difference?
NIGHTMARE
- When a child is crying from a nightmare, he is awake and alert. He will seek your comfort and if he is able, he will talk to you about his fear.
NIGHT TERROR
- With a night terror, your child will thrash around violently, perhaps screaming; and although their eyes may be open, they are still asleep.
NIGHTMARE
- Upon waking the child, he may remember that he had a nightmare. At the very least, he will likely remember you getting up to comfort him.
NIGHT TERROR
- With a night terror, your child will go back to peaceful sleep and upon waking will not remember the episode at all.
NIGHTMARE
- When your child has a nightmare, you should go to him right away. Hold him and comfort him. Assure him that everything is okay.
NIGHT TERROR
- When your child is having a night terror, do not restrain him or hold him. This may make it even worse. Let him get through the screaming episode until he calms into peaceful sleep. Just be sure to remove any dangers from his path and watch him closely to keep him safe.
There are key differences with nightmares and night terrors. If your child is one of the unlucky 5% that get night terrors, just know that he will grow out of them. Until then, hang on tight and ride it out.
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