If your child wakes up in the middle of the night scared, fully awake, and talking about monsters, sharks, or something chasing them, you're likely dealing with a nightmare. In this episode, Allison explains what nightmares really are, why they happen, and how they're different from night terrors. You'll learn one of the most important clues for telling the difference between the two, and why the timing of the wake-up matters more than most parents realize. Nightmares are extremely common, especially in the preschool and early elementary years when imagination is developing quickly. But while they're normal, frequent nightmares are often a sign that something in your child's sleep or daily routine needs adjusting. We'll talk about the most common triggers, including overtiredness, stress, illness, and the content children are exposed to during the day, and what to do in the moment when your child wakes up scared. Most importantly, you'll walk away with practical strategies to help reduce nightmares and support more restful nights for your whole family. In this episode, you'll learn: What nightmares are and how they differ from night terrors Why nightmares usually happen in the early morning hours The most common triggers for nightmares in children How overtiredness and late bedtimes increase nightmares Why content (movies, shows, stories, conversations) can fuel nightmares What to say - and what not to say - when your child wakes up scared Simple sleep changes that can reduce nightmares quickly How to help sensitive or imaginative children feel more secure at night And if you suspect your child might be dealing with night terrors, listen to last week's episode: 233. Night Terrors in Kids: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How to Stop Them Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube Wondering if your child is getting enough sleep? Allison's free guides take the guesswork out of bedtime. Learn the optimal sleep ranges for every age so your little one can feel their best—day after day. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use. Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place. Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics. Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime? Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents. On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review." On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review. Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date! Connect with Allison: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube
