Comforting Children with Nightmares and Night Terrors
Comforting Children with Nightmares and Night Terrors
by Wilfred Luecht
Nightmares and Night Terrors are some of the most unsettling situations for
parents as they are generally awakened by their child's terrified screams and
crying. To parents in the dead of night, it probably doesn't matter whether it
is a nightmare or a night terror, since their only concern is for their child's
welfare. In fact, most parents probably do not realize there is actually a
difference between the two.
Nightmares - Frequently nightmares take
place during the sleep phase known as REM stage usually toward the end of the
night. The child awakens terrified from sleep and may possibly start screaming,
crying or run into his parents' bedroom. The child is definitely awake and is
usually able to remember at least enough of the dream to know what scared him.
What Causes Nightmares?
It is important to realize nightmares
are a natural part of growth and development. In young children it may be due to
the pressure of learning how to cope with the stresses they face in their daily
lives. Perhaps a traumatic event, such as, attending a new school may be the
underlying source. The child may even be sick with a fever.
How to
Handle Nightmares
1. Parents can use soothing reassurance. The darkness
of night can be a frightening place to a young child. Therefore, it is
comforting for a parent to hold their child and allow them to feel safe and
secure for a little while. Constantly reminding them it was only a dream.
2. Parents should gently try to persuade the child to tell them about
their dream. With just one or two words, like "bad man" or "lion" might be the
only way very young children are able to express the dream. However, an older
child might be able to relate a more thorough account of the nightmare. By
permitting the child to recall the dream, the parent may gain an insight into
what was the primary cause of the dream. For instance, the child is afraid of
the dog next door or a test he or she has to take in school.
3. Parents
should continue assuring the child that they will not allow any harm to come to
him. Then when the child has settled down some, the parent should encourage him
to return to sleep.
4. Parents can empower the child. In the morning,
the parent should remind the child about their dream and show them that they can
change its outcome. For example, they can tell the child they are able to defeat
and imprison the monster instead of being chased by it. The child can demand
that the scary dog must go home!
Prevention - If your child is prone to
nightmares, monitor his television viewing habits. For instance, you may wish to
wait until your child's bedtime before watching upsetting or frightening
programs. Make sure that he does not read any scary books either.
Night
Terrors - They occur much less often than nightmares. They take place during the
deepest non-REM sleep stage usually occurring in the first part of the night.
Here the child awakens in terror often screaming, sitting up in bed with eyes
staring wide open. Other symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, breathing heavily
or perspiring. It can be difficult to awaken the child. Very often the child is
unable to remember the dream that scared him or her and awakes in the morning
having no recollection of having had a problem the night before.
How to
Handle Night Terrors
1. If possible, the parents should try to hold and
comfort the child.
2. The parents should remove anything nearby that the
child may hurt himself with.
3. If the child is not awake, the parents
should not try to awaken him. Then when he is calmed down, they should return
him to sleep.
4. In the morning, it is best not to mention what happened
the night before.
Prevention - A possible solution is to disrupt the
sleep cycle. After the child has been sleeping for a little while, the parent
can softly arouse him. Then talking quietly or tenderly kissing him send him
back to sleep. Stress and exhaustion can also bring on night terrors. So keeping
the child to a regular nap and sleep schedule is recommended.
Thankfully, most nightmares and night terrors eventually resolve by
themselves. However, if you feel your child requires professional help, by all
means seek someone who is qualified in this area, as this article is not meant
to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. The material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be regarded as medical or legal advice or consultation. Contact a trustworthy medical or legal practitioner if you are in need of medical or legal counsel.
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