Between 2 to 6 years of age children start to become aware of dreaming. These dreams can be very vivid and alarming. This is also the stage when night terrors, nightmares and night fears are most common. Dreaming is a normal part of development but if your child has frequent sleep disturbance as part of this stage of development, then it can be very difficult for the family as a whole to cope. On average, a quarter of all children may have one nightmare a week.
Nightmares are frightening dreams which occur during REM sleep that usually result in night waking. These nightmares may include monsters and other frightening imaginary creatures. The child may be afraid to return to sleep, young children may have difficulty in distinguishing between a dream and reality and may insist that the imagined monster still exists nearby. If these scary events persist then the child may resist going to bed and may also become fearful in the daytime. These events are often remembered in the daytime and, for some children, the opportunity to discuss them can be helpful. However, if your child does not want to, or cannot talk about this don't press.
There are a variety of strategies available to help children and parents cope with these events.
Night terrors are also frightening but usually forgotten by morning. A child experiencing night terrors will not be comforted. They appear to wake suddenly and are fearful but, although their eyes are open, they are often still asleep. Trying to comfort them at this stage is more about feeling that you are caring and doing something, the child is unaware of you and doesn't accept cuddles or reassurances. The return to calm sleep is usually quite quick. A child who has not napped well, is over tired, or has had a frightening experience during the day is more likely to have night terrors as their mind tries to rationalize the fright.
If you need help to help your child cope with these events;- Contact us, info@Dream-Angus.com
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