It can be very distressing for parents when a child wakes up crying or scared during the night. Nightmares and night terrors are common causes of disrupted sleep in children. Understanding why your child is waking up scared can help you find ways to soothe them and get back to restful sleep.
What causes nightmares and night terrors in children?
Nightmares and night terrors have different underlying causes:
- Nightmares are bad dreams that result in awakening from REM sleep. They typically happen in the early morning hours. Nightmares can be caused by:
- Stress, anxiety or trauma
- Illness or fever
- Some medications
- Sleep deprivation
- Night terrors occur during deep non-REM sleep. A child may sit up crying or screaming but does not wake fully. Night terrors are caused by:
- Sleep deprivation
- Irregular sleep schedules
- Some medications
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
- Stress or anxiety
When are nightmares and night terrors most common?
Nightmares and night terrors tend to happen at specific ages:
- Night terrors usually start between 4-12 years old and decrease after age 13.
- Nightmares increase in frequency around age 3-6 years old.
- Nightmares peak again in late childhood around age 10.
Both nightmares and terrors are more common when a child is overtired, stressed, or unwell.
What’s the difference between nightmares and night terrors?
| Nightmares | Night Terrors |
|---|---|
| Happen during REM sleep | Happen during deep non-REM sleep |
| Child wakes up scared | Child seems scared but does not fully wake up |
| Child can recall dream content | Child does not remember the episode |
| Can be soothed and comforted | Very difficult to fully awaken and soothe a child |
| Occur in the early morning hours | Occur 1-2 hours after child falls asleep |
When to see a doctor about nightmares or night terrors
Occasional nightmares and night terrors are normal and usually resolve with age. See your pediatrician if:
- Episodes occur several times a week
- Episodes do not decrease after age 13
- Your child hurts himself or others during an episode
- Night terrors last longer than 15 minutes
- Lack of sleep is affecting daytime functioning
This can indicate an underlying physical or mental health issue or sleep disorder requiring treatment.
Tips to prevent nightmares and night terrors
Try these tips to reduce night frights:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule
- Avoid scary TV shows and books before bed
- Make the bedroom comfortable and eliminate noise/light
- Establish a calming pre-bedtime routine
- Encourage daytime exercise and play
- Treat any underlying sources of stress and anxiety
- Wake your child to use the bathroom before you go to bed
What to do when your child wakes up scared
- Stay calm – your reaction can influence your child’s response
- Use a soothing gentle tone of voice
- Provide comfort through soothing touch and holding
- Keep lighting low and minimize stimulation
- Remain patient – it may take time for a child to settle
- Sing lullabies or play soft music
- Reassure your child they are safe
- Avoid interrogating your child about dreams
- Offer a night light or comfort object
- Discuss recurring fears in the daytime
With time, reassurance and extra comfort at night, you can help your child overcome nighttime fears and sleep peacefully again.
FAQ: Child waking up scared at night
Why does my toddler wake up crying and screaming?
Sudden wakeups with crying or screaming in toddlers are often caused by night terrors, which peak in preschool years. Night terrors are episodes of intense fear and confusion that occur during deep non-REM sleep. Your toddler may seem upset but will not wake up fully or be consolable during a night terror.
Why does my child wake up crying for no reason?
If your child wakes up scared or crying but is alert and able to communicate, they may have had a nightmare. Nightmares are bad dreams that happen during REM sleep, often from stress. Your child will likely remember the content of the dream. Nightmares are most common during ages 3-6, when dreams and imagination are active but kids can’t always separate fantasy from reality.
Should I wake my child from a night terror?
It’s not recommended to wake your child during a night terror, as they remain asleep and cannot communicate. Gentle comforting like a hand on the back or soft voice can help settle them. Night terrors usually resolve faster if your child is allowed to fully exit the sleep cycle on their own.
What causes recurring nightmares?
Recurring nightmares may be caused by:
- An underlying fear or anxiety – talk with your child about what specifically is frightening
- Consumption of scary media before bedtime
- Insufficient sleep or irregular sleep schedule
- Illness, fever or some medications
- Traumatic event or PTSD
Look for any triggers that could be causing repeated nightmares and address the root fear if possible.
How can I stop my child’s night terrors?
To minimize night terrors:
- Ensure your child gets enough sleep on a regular schedule.
- Wake your child to use the bathroom before bed.
- Find healthy ways to manage your child’s daytime stress.
- Avoid overly tired, hungry or excitable states before bed.
- Use sleep training techniques like rewards for sleeping through the night.
- Rule out any medication side effects or health issues like sleep apnea exacerbating the episodes.
Most children grow out of night terrors by their teens without intervention. Talk to your doctor if episodes remain frequent.
When to seek help for nighttime fears
While nightmares and night terrors are common in children, talk to your pediatrician if:
- Episodes occur several times per week
- Lack of sleep is affecting your child’s mood, focus or behavior
- Nighttime fears persist past age 13
- Your child hurts himself or others during an episode
- You notice signs of depression, anxiety or trauma
This may indicate an underlying physical or mental health condition requiring medical treatment.
Conclusion
Nightmares and night terrors can be scary for both parent and child. With patience, comfort and addressing any sources of stress, most children will outgrow nighttime frights. See your doctor if episodes are frequent or severe to rule out any underlying issues. Maintaining bedtime routines, proper sleep hygiene and open conversations about fears can help your child get back to peaceful slumber.