$Unique_ID{BRK01451}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Could Bring On a Terrifying Nightmare?}
$Subject{sleep terrors nightmare mental emotional conditions terrifying child
nightmares night terror sleeping disorders bad dreams delta wave rapid eye
movement rem frightening children screaming crying behavior behaviors dream}
$Volume{E-23}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Could Bring On a Terrifying Nightmare?


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QUESTION:  This is the third time our eight year old daughter has awakened
screaming and crying shortly after going to sleep.  She has no memory of what
scared her so, and we are at a loss to figure out what could have brought on
this terrifying nightmare.  Can you offer us any explanations or suggestions
that might help us deal with this problem?

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ANSWER:  Your clear recounting of these events describe the events more
properly called a "night terror" rather than a nightmare, although both are
generally included in the same classification of sleep disorders.  Nightmares
are quite common, with about 80 percent of the general adult population
reporting this experience from time to time, and they are even more frequent
in children.  While dreams may occur during many of the stages of sleep (at
sleep onset--stage 2, delta wave sleep--stage 3 and 4, and rapid eye
movement--REM sleep), nightmares generally occur during the last REM sleep
period of the night, while night terrors accompany delta wave sleep, early in
the night.  These frightening episodes are most common in children, and
usually disappear by adolescence.  The child awakens screaming or crying, and
may be confused and disoriented when aroused.  It may be hard to bring the
child into contact with reality but reassurance and calming words gradually
work their own magic, and the things quiet down eventually.  Typically there
is no recall, or only fragmentary recollections of the dream itself.  In and
of themselves these episodes are not harmful, and are not associated with any
hidden personality problems.  Try to establish a regular routine and schedule
to prepare the child for bed at the same time each night.  Avoid heavy evening
meals, and try a light snack with a glass of milk at bedtime.  Allow the
evening activity to be quiet and relaxing, avoiding mental stress before
bedtime.  The best treatment involves the support of the family, with a calm
and comforting parent at the helm, something you can achieve when you realize
that this common problem has no serious consequences.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.