Causes of Nightmares

The exact cause of nightmares is unknown, but they are more likely to occur when children are tired. Children who have experienced traumatic events in their lives may also suffer from recurring nightmares. Some medications can also trigger disturbing dreams.

Children Most Vulnerable to Nightmares

Nightmares can happen to children at any age, but they typically start between the ages of 3 and 6 and decrease after the age of ten. After the age of 12, girls are more susceptible to nightmares than boys. The types of nightmares vary with different stages of growth. Younger children may have nightmares about separation from parents or encountering monsters. Older children may have nightmares related to scary movies or fears and situations they’ve experienced at school or in their environment.

The Difference Between Nightmares and Night Terrors

Nightmares and night terrors are often confused. Night terrors are defined as episodes of terror and panic that occur during sleep. Unlike nightmares, night terrors are usually accompanied by words and other signs of the child trying to confront the dream. Another key difference between nightmares and night terrors is the timing: night terrors primarily occur during Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep stages, while nightmares often occur during the following stage of sleep, which is Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. Because night terrors involve unusual sleep behaviors, they are considered a type of sleep disorder. Night terrors are more common in children between the ages of 3 and 7 and tend to gradually decrease after the age of ten. About 30% of children experience night terrors, and it appears that they affect boys and girls equally but are extremely rare in adults. Many people who experience night terrors also engage in sleepwalking. Research indicates an increased risk of night terrors if a child or adult has a family history of neurological disorders. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe medication to reduce night terror episodes.

Reducing the Risk of Your Child Experiencing

Nightmares You cannot completely prevent nightmares, but parents can pave the way for their child to have a peaceful night’s sleep to alleviate the accumulated burdens in their minds. Steps to reduce the likelihood of your child experiencing nightmares include:

• Ensure your child gets an adequate amount of sleep, as children who experience nightmares may need more sleep than they regularly get.
• Maintain a bedtime routine and make it an enjoyable time, whether through reading a story or singing a song. Avoid allowing your child to watch scary movies or TV programs before bedtime for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Talk to your child about the nightmare during the day, try to identify the reasons for your child’s fears, especially if the nightmare’s content repeats or is related to losing someone or a problem related to school or friends.
• Make your child feel safe through calm conversation and hugs.
• Spend some time with them after the nightmare. Show understanding toward your child’s fear.
• Remind them that everyone has dreams, and sometimes dreams can be scary and disturbing, feeling very real It’s natural to be scared of them, but in reality, they’re just like cartoon dreams, with no basis in reality.
• Encourage your child to return to sleep in their own bed, avoiding excessive attention or pampering.
• Avoid keeping bright lights on in the bedroom, but ensure a nightlight if it makes your child feel comfortable.
• Leave the bedroom door open to show your children that the house is safe and that you are close by.

Source: Nightmares Disrupt Your Child’s Sleep… How to Avoid Their Pains? | Women | Al Jazeera“