Nightmares vs. Night Terrors in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Understanding The Difference

Nightmares and night terrors are both unsettling nighttime events — but they’re different in causes, timing, and experience. Knowing which your child is experiencing helps you respond the right way and reduce future episodes. 

What Are Nightmares?

Nightmares happen during REM sleep, which occurs in the second half of the night. 

Children typically wake up fully, may call for you, and often remember the dream in detail. 

Common age: 2–8 years old 

Peak ages: 3–6 years 

Nightmares are a normal part of childhood development, especially as imagination grows and fears become more real.

At this stage, children are learning to separate fantasy from reality. 

Common triggers for nightmares:

•Scary shows, stories or images (especially around Halloween!)
•Stress from big changes (like new sibling or school)
•Overtiredness or an irregular bedtime
•Medications or certain vitamins given at bedtime

Sleep Wise recommendations for reducing nightmares:

• 1. Keep a relaxing and predictable bedtime routine
• 2. Play calm or quiet family games before bed.
• 3. Avoid scary videos, books, shows prior to bed.
• 4. Put your child to bed earlier to prevent overtiredness
• 5. Avoid high-dose vitamins at bedtime.
• 6. Check with your pediatrician if medications could be interfearing with sleep

How to Respond to a Nightmare

When your child wakes up frightened from a nightmare, it can be hard to know exactly what to do. The best way to help is to respond quickly, stay calm and provide comfort right away.

Understanding how to respond to a child’s nightmare can make the experience less scary and help your little one feel safe enough to fall back asleep. Children often look to parents for reassurance after bad dreams, so a gentle and consistent response helps them recover quickly and reduces fear about going to bed in the future.

1. Respond quickly and calmly – hugs and gentle reassurance go a long way!
2. If your child wants to talk about the dream listen, but don’t press for details.
3. Remind them gently “It was just a dream.”
4. Introduce a comfort item like a stuffed animal or blanket
5. Use a soft amber nightlight to ease fear of the dark
6. Make darkness fun! Play flashlight games or look for glow-in-the-dark toys

Many parents have tried “Monster Spray” however, I don’t recommend this! I find that it can add to the anxiety that there could actually be monsters in your child’s room.  Introducing a lavender scented “Sleep Spray” or a “Dream Spray” is a more positive solution.

What Are Night Terrors

Night terrors occur during non-REM (deep) sleep, usually 1–3 hours after falling asleep. 

They are not dreams, and your child typically won’t remember them. 

Common age: 4–12 years old 

Peak ages: 5–7 years 

Affects: About 2% of children 

What it looks like:

•Screaming, crying or thrashing
•Sweating or rapid heartbeat
•Appearing awake but not responding
•Inconsolable

Night terrors usually last 5-15 minutes are are often more distressing for parents than children.

Common Cause of Night Terrors

Understanding what triggers night terrors can help you take steps to prevent them. While night terrors in children often seem to appear out of nowhere, they’re usually linked to disruptions in the sleep cycle or everyday stressors.

Identifying what causes night terrors gives parents the power to make small adjustments that lead to more peaceful nights.

1. Overtiredness or skipped naps
2. Sudden schedule changes or travel
3. Fevers or illness
4. Sleep apnea or disrupted sleep
5. Stress or transitions (new school, home, etc)

Watching your child experience a night terror can be unsettling — especially when they seem frightened but don’t recognize you.

Knowing how to handle night terrors in children can make a big difference for both you and your child. These episodes are usually short-lived and not remembered the next morning, but the right response helps keep your child safe and calm.

Here’s what you can do during a night terror to support your child and reduce the chances of future episodes.

Sleep Wise Recommendations for Navigating Night Terrors:

• 1. Don’t try to wake your child. Stay nearby and ensure safety.
• 2. Avoid touching or talking too much as this can prolong the episode.
• 3. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and adequate sleep totals for your child’s age will play the most significant role for reducing or eliminating these occurances.
• 4. If episodes happen at the same time nightly, try a “scheduled awakening” – Log your child’s sleep to find a pattern of the times. Then, gently wake your child 15 minutes before the usual episode for one week. Do this for about a week and you may see the terror deminish.
• 5. Don’t discuss the episode the next day. Your child won’t remember it and it can cause confusion.

Helping Your Child Sleep Peacefully

Nightmares and night terrors can be upsetting for everyone involved, but understanding them helps you stay calm and confident. 

A consistent bedtime, calming environment, and age-appropriate sleep often make a big difference. 

If these nighttime events are frequent or disrupting your household, you don’t have to navigate them alone. 

Schedule a free evaluation call with Sleep Wise Consulting to help your child, and your family, get the restful nights you deserve!

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By Katie Pitts, Founder & CEO of Sleep Wise Consulting