How can I tell if my child is having a nightmare or a night terror?

John T. Duffy, MD on behalf of Intermountain Healthcare

Pediatrics

If children are waking with night terrors, they're probably not night terrors. If they actually wake up, that's generally thought of as a nightmare. During a night terror, children will still be asleep, but they'll be frantic and screaming. If they are still asleep, then don't wake them up, because that can really startle them -- they won't remember what it was they were screaming about if it's a night terror. With nightmares, they will wake up and they'll remember the dream. That's the difference between the two.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.