Is It a Nightmare or a Night Terror? A Guide for Parents

About this episode

This episode explores the differences between nightmares and night terrors in children, offering expert advice and practical tips for parents.

Just in time for spooky season, we’re pulling back the covers on all there is to know about nightmares and night terrors in children. These sleep disturbances can leave kids—and even their grown-ups—feeling haunted. Dr. Jessica Trygier joins us to help banish the bedtime boogeyman with expert advice and practical tips to help calm and reassure kids and families. In this episode, we dive into the difference between a nightmare and a night terror, the age they commonly start and how to understand any triggers that could cause them. Dr. Trygier offers helpful strategies for parents, including clever tricks like crafting “monster spray,” and knowing when to talk about a nightmare with your child. She also shares guidance on when you should consult a pediatrician or a specialist, and what parents should avoid doing during these sleep disturbances. This episode is packed with lots of practical tips and advice to help keep the spooky scaries at bay.

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Jessica Trygier

Topics covered

• nightmares
• night terrors
• children's sleep
• parenting tips
• sleep disturbances

Keywords

• nightmares
• night terrors
• children
• sleep
• parenting
• bedtime
• triggers
• pediatrician

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cincinnati Children’s

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