Nightmares

• Nightmare Introduction
• When Do Nightmares Occur?
• What is a Nightmare?
• What Causes Nightmares?
• What Can I Do About My Child’s Nightmares?
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Nightmare Introduction

Nightmares occur from time to time in many children, but they are most common in preschoolers (children aged 3-6 years) because this is the age at which normal fears develop and a child’s imagination is very active. Some studies estimate that as many as 50% of children aged 3-6 years have nightmares that disturb both their sleep and their parents' sleep. Nightmare disorder involves frightening or unpleasant dreams that disrupt the child's sleep on several occasions and cause distress or problems with everyday life. When children wake up because of a nightmare, they become aware of their surroundings and usually need comfort. As a result, these children often wake up their parents.