SLEEP STRATEGIES FOR NIGHTMARES, TERRORS, AND FEAR OF MONSTERS AND THE DARK
Last month’s article was all about ways to get children to sleep and to stay asleep all night. This month we will deal with strategies to help children deal with nightmares, night terrors, and fear of monsters and the dark.
It’s two o’clock in the morning and your four-year-old wakes up screaming from a nightmare. It’s after midnight and your three-year-old suddenly appears in your bedroom, choking back tears because he sees a monster in his closet. Such middle-of-the-night awakenings are some of the most maddening moments for any sleep-deprived parent. However, there are ways to put some of the most common night rumblings to rest.
Nightmares are scary dreams that cause children to cry or be fearful after the nightmare is over. Children will be aware of your presence but have trouble falling back to sleep because they remember the dream’s details. It is important for a parent to go to the child as quickly as possible. A hug and reassurance that the dream is over and that parents will keep children safe will help.
Night terrors are more severe and frightening than nightmares, but not as common. They usually occur within an hour of falling asleep and come out of the deepest stages of sleep. During a night terror, children usually cannot be awakened or comforted. It is important for parents to be with the child, remain calm, make sure they don’t injure themselves and try not to wake them. Children are more likely to have night terrors when they are overly tired or during periods of stress.
Fear of the dark and of monsters is common for toddlers and preschoolers. Parents should treat these fears as real. Check the room for monsters in a matter-of-fact way and assure children they are gone. A nightlight is helpful. Stuffed animals as guards of the bed or a small flashlight the child can use to check are also a good idea. Some parents have successfully used a squirt bottle (with water) as “monster” spray before bedtime.
Helping children with sleep disturbances is challenging. However, with understanding and patience, parents and children can get a good night’s sleep.