Nightmares vs. Night Terrors: Helping Kids Cope with Frightening Sleep

Few things unsettle parents more than hearing their child scream in the middle of the night. Sometimes it’s just a bad dream, other times it may be a night terror. While both look frightening, they are not the same — and the way parents should respond differs.
This article explains the differences between nightmares and night terrors, their causes, and practical ways to help children feel safe again.

Nightmares are bad dreams that wake a child and can usually be remembered the next morning. A child might call out for comfort, describe the dream, or resist going back to sleep.
Night terrors, on the other hand, often occur during deep non-REM sleep. A child may sit up, cry, or scream but remain unresponsive, as if still asleep. By morning, they usually have no memory of the event.
👉 Related reading: Is It Normal for Toddlers to Wake Up at Night?

Nightmares are often triggered by:

• Stressful events during the day
• Overexposure to scary media
• Overtiredness or irregular sleep schedule

Night terrors may be linked to:

• Immature sleep cycles in toddlers and preschoolers
• Fever or illness
• Sleep deprivation
• Family history (they often run in families)

Parent story: Melissa, mom of 4-year-old Ethan, noticed that his nightmares spiked whenever he watched cartoons too close to bedtime. By switching to calm reading before sleep, Ethan’s bad dreams became rare and less intense.

When your child has a nightmare:

• Offer reassurance with calm words.
• Provide comfort with a hug or soft toy.
• Encourage them to talk about the dream if they want to.

When your child has a night terror:

• Do not try to wake them — it usually prolongs the episode.
• Ensure safety: gently guide them back to bed if they move.
• Wait it out — episodes typically last a few minutes.

Parent story: James and Clara’s daughter, Mia, had recurring night terrors at age 3. Instead of trying to wake her, they stayed nearby to keep her safe. Within a month, the episodes became shorter and less frequent.

Parents can reduce the likelihood of nightmares and night terrors with simple steps:

• Consistent sleep schedule: Overtired kids are more prone to disturbances.
• Bedtime routine: Gentle stretches, walking meditations, and calm challenges help signal the body it’s time to rest.
• Limit screen time: No scary shows or games before bed.
• Healthy diet: Avoid sugar close to bedtime.

Parent story: Laura, mother of twins Ava and Oliver, introduced a “bedtime challenge” — three calm stretches and a breathing game before lights out. The kids loved earning stickers for achievements, and their nightmares became far less common.
👉 Related reading: How Much Sugar Is Too Much for Kids?

Most nightmares and night terrors are temporary. But consult a pediatrician if you notice:

• Frequent episodes (several times a week)
• Safety risks (child leaves the bed or room)
• Severe daytime sleepiness
• Persistent anxiety about sleep

👉 Related reading: Teaching Kids Mindfulness

Sometimes, parents feel lost for words. Here are simple, reassuring phrases you can use after a nightmare:

• “It was just a dream, you are safe now.”
• “Mommy/Daddy is here, and everything is okay.”
• “Would you like me to stay with you until you fall asleep again?”

With night terrors, less is more. Quiet presence and gentle touch usually work better than words.
Parent story: Robert and Anna used to panic during their son Liam’s night terrors. Once they learned to sit quietly and guide him safely, Liam’s episodes resolved within months, and everyone in the family felt calmer.

Nightmares and night terrors may look similar but require different responses. With patience, consistent routines, and calm prevention strategies, most children outgrow them.
Playful rituals, walking meditations, and small achievements at bedtime give children a sense of safety and predictability. These tools turn nighttime from a source of fear into a calmer experience for the whole family.
👉 Download our app to explore calming routines, bedtime challenges, and achievements that help children sleep more peacefully.