Sleep is vital for your child’s growth and emotional wellbeing — but it’s not always smooth sailing. Two of the most common nighttime challenges parents face are nightmares and night terrors.
While they can look similar, these sleep disturbances are very different and need different responses. Understanding the difference can help you comfort your child effectively and restore peace to bedtime.
What Are Nightmares?
Nightmares are vivid, scary dreams that occur during REM sleep, the lighter stage of the sleep cycle.
Children who experience nightmares often:
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Wake up frightened or upset
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Remember the dream clearly
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Call out for comfort or reassurance
Common triggers include:
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Overtiredness or irregular sleep schedules
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Stress or emotional changes
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Scary TV shows, movies, or games before bed
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Changes in environment or routine
Parent Tip: Talk gently about the dream, provide reassurance, and keep a soft night light or comforting toy nearby. Establishing a calm bedtime routine can also help prevent future nightmares.
What Are Night Terrors?
Night terrors, in contrast, happen during deep non-REM sleep — often within the first few hours of the night.
They can be intense, with children:
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Screaming, crying, or moving while still asleep
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Appearing awake but being unresponsive
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Having no memory of the event in the morning
Unlike nightmares, night terrors are not caused by scary dreams, but rather by the brain struggling to transition smoothly between sleep stages.
What to Do:
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Do not try to wake your child — it may confuse or frighten them.
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Gently ensure they’re safe and allow the episode to pass.
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Focus on a consistent bedtime routine and plenty of rest to minimise triggers.
How the Sleep Environment Can Help
A peaceful sleep environment supports better sleep quality — and fewer disturbances.
A mattress like the Eco Kids Mattress helps your child relax and sleep soundly through the night, thanks to:
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Natural bamboo lyocell and cotton fabrics for breathability
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Chiro Flex ES spring system (60% stronger than standard springs) for spinal alignment
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Chemical-free, allergy-safe materials certified by Sensitive Choice® and GECA
For families setting up or refreshing their sleep space, the Eco Kids Mattress Bundle and Bedroom Bundles offer eco-friendly comfort designed specifically for growing kids.
Helping Your Child Sleep Better
Here’s how to support healthy sleep habits that reduce both nightmares and night terrors:
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Keep bedtimes consistent
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Limit screens before sleep
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Encourage calming activities like reading or soft music
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Ensure your child’s bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet
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Choose a comfortable, supportive mattress made from natural, breathable materials
With patience, consistency, and the right environment, your child can move from restless nights to restful, restorative sleep.
Explore the full Eco Kids Mattress Collection to create a supportive, toxin-free sleep space that helps little dreamers rest easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between nightmares and night terrors?
Nightmares happen during REM sleep and often wake the child, who can recall the dream. Night terrors occur during deep non-REM sleep, and children usually don’t remember them.
How can I help my child with frequent nightmares?
Provide comfort and reassurance, avoid scary media before bedtime, and establish a relaxing pre-sleep routine with consistent sleep times.
Can improving the mattress help reduce night terrors?
Yes — a comfortable, supportive mattress like the Eco Kids Mattress can promote deeper, more stable sleep cycles, reducing stress and minimising night disturbances.
