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- Knowledgebase: Behavioral, Developmental, and Emotional Problems
- Questions about behavioral and emotional problems, Autism, developmental delays.
- 20. Nightmares - Top
- A report from the University of Colorado Medical School in Pueblo says that parents should not be alarmed when their children have nightmares because these dreams are normal and don't usually indicate illness or emotional problems.
Pagel reports that nightmares are very common following extremely frightening or highly emotional events, and are a ''defining symptom'' of post-traumatic stress syndrome, or PTSD. Pagel describes nightmares and night terrors: Nightmares are vivid, scary dreams that usually wake a child up, usually occurring during deep sleep, often in the early morning hours. Night terrors usually occur early in the sleep cycle, and are characterized by panic and extreme fright in which it may be hard to wake the dreamer. Night terrors affect one to four percent of children, and are most common between the ages of 4 and 12.
Pagel writes that while discussing the situation with a medical professional may be helpful, "reassurance and support" are often the only therapy needed, the problems often disappear with maturity, and drug therapy should be discouraged since it "may contribute to further sleep disruption". In American Family Physician, Pagel writes that nightmares can be caused by many medications, including sleeping pills, antidepressants, and pain medications because they interfere with brain activity.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends that if nightmares are affecting a child's ability to function during waking hours, parents should talk to a doctor. The organization also highlights the importance of providing protection for children with night terrors, because they may walk in their sleep or fall out of bed. The AAFP fact sheet on nightmares and night terrors in children is available on the Web at http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000401/2044ph.html. SOURCE: American Family Physician 2000;61:2037-2042, 2044.
- Updated: March 8, 2001
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- Knowledgebase: Behavioral, Developmental, and Emotional Problems
James L Horwitz, MD
David C. Thomas, MD
Barbara Lindberg, PNP