Introduction:
A nightmare is an unsettling or frightening dream that typically causes one to wake up. It is common for children to occasionally experience nightmares, particularly in the preschool years. While parents cannot stop nightmares entirely, they can create an environment that promotes restful sleep. In this manner, in the event that nightmares do arise, the child can rapidly get comfort from the parents and return to sleep.
What Are Nightmares?
Fearful dreams are called nightmares. Typically, they begin in toddlers before the age of ten. But grownups can also experience them. Girls experience nightmares more frequently than boys. Events that happen daily may cause them. Most occur between 4 and 6 a.m., late in the sleep cycle. Both kids and adults frequently recall the nightmare. It could be hard to fall back asleep. There are some nightmares that keep happening.
Like most dreams, nightmares occur when the brain is most active during the sleep phase. The rapid eye movement, or REM, stage of sleep is named for the rapid eye movement that occurs beneath closed eyelids during this phase of sleep. Since REM periods are lengthier in the second half of sleep, nightmares typically happen during this time.
Children often wake up from nightmares with vivid, sometimes even realistic, pictures. Therefore, it makes sense that they would feel scared and distressed and would want to be comforted by a parent. By the time they are in preschool, children start to realize that a nightmare is just a dream and that they cannot be harmed by what is happening. Even so, it does not stop them from feeling afraid. When a child has a nightmare, even older children get afraid.
Why Do Nightmares Happen?
The specific cause of nightmares is unknown. Dreams, including nightmares, appear to be one-way children work through anxieties and concerns and process ideas and feelings.
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Some may occur when a toddler is under stress or adjusting to a change. Unpleasant circumstances or events, such as moving to a new place, starting a new school, having a sibling, or family conflicts, may also be mirrored in unpleasant dreams.
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A child's response to trauma, such as an injury, accident, or natural disaster, can occasionally include nightmares. Before going to bed, some children, especially those with vivid imaginations, may experience nightmares after reading terrifying books or watching disturbing films or television shows.
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A nightmare may occasionally have disturbing details mixed with remembered moments from the previous day.
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Even while they may not remember every detail, children can typically recollect some of the scenes, people, or imagery and the scary aspects.
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Dread of what is perceived or heard.
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Experts say that something they watched on television or the internet, something they read in a book, heard in a story, or saw in a picture can all trigger nightmares.
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Some state that nightmares may also be a result of sleep apnea or other respiratory conditions that induce inconsistent sleep.
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Drugs taken can also impact nightmares. The frequency of nightmares can also be influenced by certain medications and even food.
They occur when the child is in deep sleep. Early in the night, usually, before parents go to bed, is when kids sleep the deepest. In the event of a night terror, the child may:
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Sob uncontrollably.
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Wet, tremble, or take deep breaths.
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Have a scared, perplexed, or teary-eyed expression.
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Scream, kick, thrash about, or just look.
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Not being aware of someone around or acknowledging their presence.
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Try to eject the parents, particularly if they make an effort to hold them.
Although they can last up to 45 minutes, most night terrors are rather shorter. After a night of terror, most kids just go back to sleep because they have not been awake. A child will not recall a night terror, unlike a nightmare.
How Can Parents Support Their Children’s Dreams?
While parents cannot stop nightmares from happening to their children, they can help them sleep well, which promotes pleasant dreams. When it is time for toddlers to go to bed, make sure they:
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Reassure them that their parents are beside them and that nothing will hurt them.
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Urge them to share the details of the dream with them. Tell them again that dreams are made up.
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If it helps them feel better, let them leave the light on.
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Encourage the toddler to return to sleep when they are ready.
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Check to see if the toddler is afraid of anything, such as shadows. If so, confirm their removal.
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Maintain a consistent wake-up and bedtime schedule.
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Follow a sleep schedule that encourages them to decelerate and makes them feel safe and comfortable as they go to sleep. This may be reading, taking a bath, getting cuddles from parents, or having a little conversation about their wonderful day.
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Possess a bed that is a comfortable, tranquil spot to unwind in. A dream catcher, teddy animal, nightlight, or beloved toy can all be beneficial.
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Avoid screen time, such as video games or social media, before bed. This is especially important if scary movies, television episodes, or stories have caused nightmares in the past.
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Steer clear of caffeine, which can disrupt sleep and is present in coffee, tea, chocolate, and sodas.
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Understand that nightmares are merely dreams and cannot harm them.
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Never shake or yell at the child to wake them up. Keep the child's room and one's own room tidy in case the encounter results in sleepwalking. This will lessen falling and tripping.
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Refrain from giving the kids over-the-counter medications that induce sleep, such as cough syrup or allergy shots. That is not the intended use for the medicines. Toddlers may have severe breathing difficulties as a result.
Conclusion:
Discuss ways to support the child with their pediatrician or another healthcare practitioner if nightmares are interfering with their academic performance or their ability to socialize with friends or family. Always remember that a parent is the child's best advocate and caretaker; parents are the ones who know them and their needs the best. Do not be afraid to seek support from a healthcare professional if they are concerned about their child's nightmares and the impact they are having on their sleep and development.
