Children's Health Basics - Night terrors are different than nightmares in children

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Night terrors are different than nightmares in children

A night terror is a partial wakening in the middle of the night. The child may appear to be awake but is not really fully conscious. The child is frightened and may be screaming but seemingly can't be comforted and may fear objects or persons in the room. The episode can last from 10 to 30 minutes, and often the child will not remember it upon waking in the morning. Parents should not try to wake the child but may try to soothe them until the child falls back to sleep. Night terrors usually stop by age 12. Nightmares, on the other hand, are frightening dreams that may or may not awaken a child. If children do wake up, they will be conscious and will often be afraid to return to sleep. Nightmares may or may not relate to real things that are happening in a child's life. Parents are urged to comfort the child if they awaken and encourage them to go to sleep in their own bed. Often a beloved toy or "security blanket "can make them feel safer. Parents are also urged to help the child talk about the bad dreams in the safety of the next day.

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