How To Help Your Child Deal With Nightmares
Nightmares happen frequently in young kids. Close to 25 percent of young kids get nightmares more than once in a week. It can occur in children with really lively imaginations, and in children who are sick. Young children may additionally have nightmares if there have been recent accidents, injuries or other traumatic incidents at home. Even the common stresses at home or in school, can trigger nightmares in younger kids. Certain medications like antidepressants, barbiturates and narcotics may also cause nightmares.
A lot of nightmares normally occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep , which is typically between four and six o'clock in the morning. Occasionally a nightmare may repeat itself on different instances. Nightmares are scary for young children, and they may resist falling asleep if they are afraid.
Children may perceive nightmares as real, and it is vital for parents to help children to make them feel secured. A kid would usually share details regarding his nightmare. Thus parents should try to probe further, and help the kid perceive nightmares as unreal. You can also be creative by editing the child's nightmare through a story, and turning it into something pleasant and non-threatening.
Since kids who are stressed out are prone to having nightmares, parents should try to look at what may be bothering the child. Young children may still not handle stress properly, and parents need to do their part in helping the kid cope with the stressors. Offer support and comfort the kid, to make him feel secured.
A child who is often bothered by nightmares, may no longer want to sleep alone. It is essential that parents try to be very supportive throughout this time. At times it can help if you assure that your kid has his security object, to make him feel safe. A night light can also be reassuring, in case your kid wakes up in the middle of the night. Opening the kid's bedroom door as well as the door to your room, can additionally give reassurance to a frightened child. Your little one may be comforted at the thought that he can go to you freely in case he is terrified. Parents must also avoid offering a child snacks just before bedtime. Eating before bedtime can increase metabolism and mind activity, that may cause nightmares.
Although nightmares are typical, parents need to make sure a kid's safety under these circumstances. Ensure that safety gates are installed on top of stairs. Young children who wake up in the middle of the evening may still be groggy, and parents need to address safety concerns accordingly.
Medical consultation due to nightmares is quite rare, but parents need to seek medical assistance if a child's nightmares disrupt his sleep patterns. Likewise, it is also vital to report any signs and symptoms, that accompany your child's nightmares. Medicines are rarely used for the treatment of nightmares, and it is usually given to suppress REM sleep. Though nightmares are unreal, it may be truly frightening for a child. Parents simply need to keep in mind that young children need all the support that they get during this trying time.
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