Nightmares
What are nightmares?
Nightmares are distressing dreams that can wake someone feeling afraid. They usually occur during REM sleep, when dreaming is most intense, often in the second half of the night. After waking, we can usually remember the dream.
They are not the same as night terrors. Night terrors usually occur early in the night during deep sleep, and the child normally does not remember the episode the next day.
What might we feel?
- A fast-beating heart.
- Sweating or rapid breathing.
- Fear, crying or a need to find an adult.
- Difficulty going back to sleep because the dream might return.
Why do they happen?
- Watching frightening films, games or images that are not suitable for the child's age.
- Stress, worries or important changes.
- Being ill, very tired or not getting enough sleep.
What can we do?
After a nightmare, the most important thing is to feel safe and supported:
- Tell a trusted adult and remember that dreams are not real.
- Talk or draw about what happened to put the fear into words.
- Avoid violent or frightening content, especially before bedtime.
- Keep a calm, regular routine: wind down, read a story and go to bed at a similar time.
An adult can listen, offer comfort and help the child return to bed when they are ready.
If nightmares are very frequent, continue for a long time, cause fear of sleeping or affect daily life, talk to a paediatrician.