During preschool, sleep plays a major role in a child’s growth, development, and daily functioning. However, parents often encounter situations when a child starts crying, screaming, or waking up scared in the middle of the night. The most common question then arises – is the child having a nightmare or is it a night terror?
Although they may seem similar at first glance, nightmares and night terrors are different phenomena and require different reactions from parents and educators.
What are nightmares?
Nightmares are unpleasant dreams that most often occur in the second half of the night, during deeper sleep. After a nightmare, a child wakes up, cries or calls for parents, and can usually describe what they dreamed.
Characteristics of nightmares:
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occur in the second half of the night;
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the child wakes up and remembers the dream;
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they often seek comfort from parents;
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can be triggered by stress, fatigue, or exposure to content not suitable for children.
What are night terrors?
Night terrors occur in the first third of the night, usually 1–3 hours after the child falls asleep. The child suddenly sits up in bed, screams, sweats, has a rapid heartbeat, and looks frightened – but is not actually aware of what is happening. They usually do not respond to attempts at comfort and do not remember the event in the morning.
Characteristics of night terrors:
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occur in the first hours of sleep;
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the child looks awake but is not fully conscious;
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they do not remember the event in the morning;
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more common in children who are very tired or under stress.
How to react?
When it’s a nightmare:
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calm the child and reassure them they are safe;
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stay by their side until they feel protected;
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avoid scary content before bedtime;
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establish a routine – such as reading a story or quiet play before going to bed.
When it’s a night terror:
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do not try to wake the child by force, since they are not fully aware;
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stay nearby and make sure they don’t hurt themselves;
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wait for the episode to pass (usually 5–15 minutes);
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ensure the child goes to bed rested, without excessive exhaustion.
Final note
Nightmares and night terrors can be distressing for both the child and the parents, but they are usually not a sign of serious problems. Knowing the difference helps parents react appropriately and create a safe sleep environment.
If these situations occur frequently or are very intense, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or psychologist for additional support.