Nightmares are common among children

 

Nightmares are common among children

Nightmares and night terrors are fairly common in children, as their young minds try to decipher between what is real and what isn’t.

These scary dreams and nighttime fears can cause your child to wake from sleep, leaving them upset and anxious to go back to bed.

Both are part of a group of sleep disorders known as parasomnias, which may include abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions or dreams.

The cause may be genetic, or there could be other factors, such as lack of sleep or stress.

If your child doesn’t appear to be bothered by these occurrences or isn’t experiencing daytime signs of sleep deprivation, you may choose to monitor the situation.

Persistent nightmares and night terrors in childhood, however, could be an early warning sign of something more serious, according to a study in the journal Sleep. Parents shouldn’t worry but may consider if there are any risk factors such as family history or a recent traumatic event.

After an episode, parents should reassure their children and try to understand their fears. It’s also important to ensure children are on a consistent sleep schedule and getting plenty of rest.

Our children and teens sleep assessment can help identify potential risks for common sleep disorders. If your child’s nightmares become worse or increase in frequency, please give our team at FusionSleep a call to help find the right solution for you and your child.