Nightmares

What is a nightmare?
A nightmare is a terrifying dream that often leads to awakening. Nightmares are not uncommon in children. It is important to know that frightening dreams are normal in infancy older than 6 months of age.
They occur in about 10 – 15 % of children aged between 3 and 16 years. They usually persist into, or sometimes first appear, in teenage years.

Usually it occurs in the second half of the night. When infants have a nightmare, they cry until someone comes to their attention. When preschoolers have a nightmare, they usually cry and run into their parents’ bedroom. However, when older children begin to understand what a nightmare is, they usually will put themselves back to sleep without waking the parents or other family members.

What is the cause of nightmares?
Every child dreams about 4 or 5 times a night.
Some dreams are good and some are bad.
It is thought that dreams help the mind to process complicated events or information. The content of nightmares usually has a direct relationship with the developmental challenges that the child faces; such as: toddlers have nightmares about separation from their family, preschoolers have nightmares about monsters or darkness, and school-aged children have nightmares about death or real dangers.
Frequent nightmares may be caused by violent television shows or movies.

How can I help my child?
Reassure and cuddle your child.
Explain to your child that s/he was having a bad dream.
Sit on the bed until the child is calm.
Provide a night light, especially if your child is afraid of the dark.
Most children will usually turn to sleep fairly quickly after the nightmare.
Help your child talk about the bad dream during the day.
You may want to help your child draw pictures or write stories with a new happier ending to the dream.
Working through a bad dream after the event may take several conversations about it. Protect your child against frightening movies and television shows.
For many children, violent shows or horrific movies cause bedtime fears and nightmares. These fears can persist for months or years.
Absolutely forbid these movies before thirteenth birthday.
Between the ages of thirteen and seventeen years, the maturity and sensitivity of the child must be considered carefully when deciding when to allow them to watch terrifying movies.
Be vigilant about slumber parties or Halloween parties.
Tell your child to call you if the family s/he is visiting is viewing scary movies.

When should I call my healthcare provider?
• If the nightmares become worse.
• If the fear interferes with daytime activities.
• If the child has several fears, or if you have other concerns or questions.