Our 7-year-old daughter has nightmares that wake her up. Should we be worried?
– Amy & Josh

Nightmares are pretty common in childhood, especially in kids younger than 10. Aside from making for a restless night's sleep for everyone involved, the occasional nightmare is generally not a cause for concern. And though there's no proven way to prevent the occasional nightmare, you might try having your child avoid scary books, movies, and video games before sleep. Using a nightlight and sleeping with the bedroom door open can help kids feel safer. Some kids even like to keep a flashlight next to their bed.

Recurring nightmares may signal fear or anxiety worth exploring through discussions with your child or with the help of your doctor or a behavioral health professional.

For more information, check out these articles:
Anxiety, Fears, and Phobias
How Much Sleep Is Enough for My Child?

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD

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