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Nightmares and Other Sleep Problems in Children

Table of Contents


Overview

A good night's sleep helps your child to grow, to form memories, and to learn. Sleep helps your child stay alert and focused at school and play.

Children who don't get enough sleep over time can have behavior problems and trouble learning. They may become moody, sad, or angry.

Most sleep problems occur when the child is only partly asleep. Problems may include:

Sleep talking.

Your child may talk loudly or shout for a few seconds and then fall back asleep. You may not be able to understand what your child says. Sleep talking is more common than sleepwalking, although some children do both.

Nightmares.

These are very common in preschool and school-age children. Your child may cry out for your comfort or go to your room after a nightmare. The child usually can be reassured and calmed.

Confusional arousals.

Your child may wake up crying, confused, and groggy. Your child may not recognize you or be comforted. As with sleep talking, your child may say mixed-up words that make no sense.

Night terrors.

Night terrors are more intense than confusional arousals or nightmares. They are not very common, but they can be very upsetting for parents. Your child may suddenly scream or yell in a terrified way. Your child may thrash around in bed. A night terror can go on for many minutes. Your child may not recognize you and won't be comforted.

Sleepwalking.

Your child may walk around their room or the house. Your child's eyes may be open, but your child is still asleep. Children who sleepwalk often can do very simple tasks, such as walking around furniture. But they can't do more involved things, such as eating a snack. Children may be in danger if they try to walk out of the house or climb out a window while sleepwalking.

Children spend more time than teens and adults in a deep stage of sleep that happens early in the night. Sleep problems such as night terrors often happen during the change from this phase of sleep into lighter sleep. Nightmares tend to occur later in sleep, in the early morning hours when children are dreaming.

It may take some time for your child to go back to sleep. Children usually remember a nightmare, but they don't tend to remember night terrors, confusional arousals, or sleepwalking.

What can you do to help your child?

Try these tips to care for a child who has nightmares.

Most children who have night terrors or confusional arousals don't want comfort from parents. They usually will fall back asleep when it's over, and they won't remember the event the next morning. But a night terror can be very upsetting to watch.

These tips can help when you have a child who sleepwalks.

Talk with your child's doctor if these strategies do not help.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:


Credits for Nightmares and Other Sleep Problems in Children

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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