Nightmare and Night Waking Log
Frequency, timing and type recorded as a record — including the distinction between a nightmare and a night terror, which are different things.
Nightmares occur in REM sleep late in the night and the child wakes, remembers and seeks comfort, while night terrors occur in deep sleep in the first third of the night with no waking and no memory — and the timing is usually what tells them apart.
Nightmare and Night Waking Log
Frequently asked
What is the difference between a nightmare and a night terror?
Timing, memory and responsiveness. Nightmares come late in the night, the child wakes properly and remembers. Night terrors come early, the child appears awake but is not, does not respond normally, and has no memory of it afterwards.
Should I wake a child having a night terror?
General guidance is not to. Waking them tends to prolong the confusion; keeping them safe and waiting it out is what is usually advised. They will not remember it, and the person who needs reassurance afterwards is usually the adult.
When should I speak to a doctor?
If events are frequent and distressing, if they involve breathing difficulties, if a child is very sleepy in the daytime, or if they begin suddenly after a period of settled sleep. Any of those is worth a GP appointment.
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