Nightmares & Night Terrors in Children
Written by Raylene - Sweet Dreams Sleep Consultant.
Night terrors and nightmares are both sleep disturbances that can be distressing for both parents and children. However, they are different conditions that occur during different stages of sleep.
Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually occur during the REM stage of sleep, which is the stage of sleep when most dreaming occurs. Nightmares can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, and trauma. Children who experience nightmares may wake up scared or upset and be able to recall the details of their dream.
On the other hand, night terrors are a sleep disorder that occurs during the non-REM stage of sleep, usually in the first few hours of the night. Night terrors are characterized by intense fear and a sense of impending danger. Children who experience night terrors may cry, scream, thrash around, and even sit up in bed, but they are not fully awake and are not able to recall the event the next day.
REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and deep sleep are two distinct stages of sleep that occur during the sleep cycle. The sleep cycle is a pattern of different stages of sleep that repeat several times throughout the night.
REM sleep:
REM sleep is the stage of sleep when most dreaming occurs. During REM sleep, the brain is active and the eyes move rapidly behind closed eyelids. This stage of sleep is characterized by a high level of brain activity, similar to when we are awake.
REM sleep is essential for the formation of memories and emotional regulation.
During REM sleep, our muscles become temporarily paralyzed, which prevents us from acting out our dreams.
Deep sleep:
Deep sleep, also known as NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, is characterized by slow brain waves and minimal movement. This stage of sleep is essential for physical restoration, cell repair and muscle growth.
Hormones responsible for growth and development are released during deep sleep.
During deep sleep, our body temperature drops, heart rate slows and blood pressure decreases, leading to a feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation.
This stage is also known as the stage where the body and mind recover from the day.
Toddlers: At this stage, toddlers typically require about 12-14 hours of sleep per day. They may still nap during the day, but will gradually begin to transition to one nap. Toddlers also often experience night waking and may need reassurance from parents to fall back asleep. It's essential for parents to establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes a bath, a story, and a lullaby to help signal to the child that it's time to sleep.
Both REM and deep sleep are important for overall health and well-being. The sleep cycle typically repeats several times throughout the night, with more deep sleep occurring in the first half of the night and more REM sleep in the second half. An adult typically goes through 4-5 cycles per night, with each cycle lasting around 90 minutes.
Night terrors happen because of a malfunction in the brain mechanism that regulates the transition between sleep stages. Some factors that may contribute to night terrors include:
Lack of sleep
Stress
Fever
Certain medications
A family history of night terrors
High sugar intake, including fruit
Too much screen time just before bedtime.
It's important to note that night terrors are more common in young children than in older children or adults. This is because the nervous system of a younger child is still developing, and it's not as efficient in regulating the transition between sleep stages.
If your child is experiencing night terrors, it's important to understand that they are not nightmares and that your child is not fully awake during the episode. It's also important to remember that your child is not doing it on purpose and that they do not remember the event.
To help your child sleep through night terrors, you can try to create a calming and comfortable sleep environment, such as keeping the room dark and quiet. You can also try to establish a regular bedtime routine and make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Reduce or remove any sugar in the late afternoons, including too much fruit intake and also limit the amount of screen time your child has before bedtime. Melatonin, our sleepy hormone is negatively impacted by the blue light that is emitted from a screen which may result in a night terror.
In cases of severe night terrors, it's always recommended to consult a pediatrician or a sleep therapist for further evaluation and treatment.
In conclusion, night terrors and nightmares are two different sleep disturbances that affect children, especially young children. Understanding the difference between the two is important in order to provide the appropriate support and care for your child. With the right approach and understanding, your child can overcome this sleep disturbance and have a peaceful nights rest.
I hope this helps! If your little one is having trouble with night terrors or sleep in general feel free to reach out to us and book a free consultation!
Sweet Dreams x
