Children's Hospital Colorado
Sleep

Nightmares

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What are nightmares?

Nightmares are scary dreams that awaken a child. Occasional bad dreams are normal at all ages after about 6 months of age. When infants have a nightmare, they cry and scream until someone comes to them. When preschoolers have a nightmare, they usually cry and run into their parents' bedroom. Older children begin to understand what a nightmare is and put themselves back to sleep without waking their parents.

What causes nightmares?

The content of nightmares usually relates to the developmental challenges of growing up: toddlers have nightmares about separation from their parents; preschoolers, about monsters or the dark; and school-age children, about death or real dangers. Frequent nightmares may be caused by violent TV shows or movies.

Who gets nightmares?

Everyone has the occasional bad dream because everyone dreams four or five times each night. Some dreams are good, some are bad. Dreams help the mind process complicated events or information. Dream sleep typically happens in the early morning hours, so this is when children are most likely to experience nightmares.

Next steps

  • Would you like to learn more about us?

    Learn more about the Sleep Program
  • Do you have questions about your child’s condition?

    720-777-6181
  • Are you ready to schedule an appointment?

    Schedule an appointment

Get to know our pediatric experts.

Heather De Keyser, MD

Heather De Keyser, MD

Pulmonology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Jenna Wolff, PA-C

Jenna Wolff, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Why?

Paul Houin, MD

Paul Houin, MD

Pulmonology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Anna Hamilton, CPNP-AC

Anna Hamilton, CPNP-AC

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Why?