The Family Doctor site provides information about nightmares and night terrors among kids. Nightmares are scary dreams that most children have from time to time. One in every four kids has nightmares more than once a week. Most nightmares happen late in the sleep period, between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Your child may come to you for comfort and may be able to tell you what has frightened her.
A child who suffers from a night terror will probably wake up screaming, and may be sweating and breathing fast. Night terrors usually happen during deep sleep, between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Your child may scream out while still asleep, and maybe confused when awoken. She may not be able to tell you what has frightened her.
Nightmares and night terrors could be triggered by stressful emotional or physical events. If these persist for over six months, you should discuss them with your child's doctor.
Make sure that your home is safe for a child who has nightmares or night terrors. Use toddler gates on staircases and don't use bunk beds for children who suffer from nightmares.
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