If your toddler wakes in the night crying, thrashing, or calling out, it can be scary and confusing. Are they having a nightmare? A night terror? Or something else entirely? Understanding the difference between nightmares and night terrors in toddlers can help you feel calmer, respond in the right way, and support your child’s sleep with confidence.

What Is a Night Terror?

A night terror looks very different from a nightmare. It usually happens in the first few hours of the night, during deep (non-REM) sleep. Your child may:

• Scream, thrash, or cry out suddenly
• Have their eyes open but not recognize you
• Appear awake but be unresponsive to comfort
• Walk or run around the house in a confused state

As unsettling as this is to watch, your toddler is actually still asleep. A night terror occurs when they shift abruptly from deep sleep to partial wakefulness. The next morning, they usually have no memory of the episode. If your child recalls a dream, it wasn’t a night terror — it was a nightmare.

Night terrors often last 5–15 minutes and sometimes happen more than once in a night, but they almost always occur in the first half of the night.

What Causes Night Terrors in Toddlers?

Night terrors are part of a group of sleep disorders called parasomnias, which also includes sleepwalking. While genetics can play a role (they often run in families), environmental factors often trigger them. Common causes include:

• Overtiredness – skipping naps or staying up too late
• Stress or anxiety – big changes, overstimulation, or worry
• Illness or fever – disrupting normal sleep cycles
• Full bladder – physical discomfort during deep sleep
• Excessive activity – too much excitement or exercise before bed

Because a toddler’s brain uses huge amounts of energy for growth and learning, their sleep pressure builds quickly. When they’re kept awake too long, stress hormones like cortisol rise and can increase the likelihood of night terrors.

What Should I Do During a Night Terror?

One of the hardest things for parents is that your child won’t respond to comfort during a night terror. Science tells us that trying to wake them usually doesn’t work. Here’s what you can do instead:

• Stay calm and remind yourself they are not aware of what’s happening
• Keep them safe — gently guide them back to bed if they get up
• Do not try to wake them up
• Wait for the episode to pass — most end on their own in minutes

The best approach is prevention. If your child seems overtired, try an earlier bedtime, create a calm and predictable wind-down routine, and reduce evening stimulation. Night terrors typically fade as children get older and rarely need medical treatment.

If bedtime battles and overtiredness are common in your home, our Toddler Sleep Program can help you create a calmer evening routine and improve sleep overall.

What About Nightmares?

Nightmares are a completely different experience. They happen during REM sleep (the dream stage) and are often remembered in detail the next day. Nightmares typically begin after age 3, when your child’s imagination develops.

Signs of a nightmare include:

• Your child wakes fully and calls for you
• They recall the dream or describe scary images
• They seek comfort and reassurance

Nightmares may be triggered by scary media (TV shows, movies, iPad clips, or even books), stress, or big life transitions. Unlike night terrors, your child will usually want your comfort and may struggle to fall back asleep without it.

How Can I Help My Toddler Sleep Peacefully?

While we can’t always prevent nightmares or night terrors, there are steps you can take to reduce them and promote more restful sleep:

• Stick to a consistent bedtime routine
• Provide plenty of wind-down time before bed
• Avoid overstimulating media in the evening
• Practice mindfulness or calming strategies (like bedtime meditation)
• Create a safe, cozy sleep environment

Our Toddler Sleep Program includes a relaxing Animal Meditation designed specifically to help little ones drift off calmly, replacing bedtime stress with positive, peaceful thoughts.

Final Thoughts

Nightmares and night terrors can be unsettling for parents, but understanding the difference helps you respond with confidence. Night terrors often pass quickly and don’t usually need treatment, while nightmares may need comfort and reassurance. With the right bedtime habits and a predictable routine, you can help your toddler sleep more soundly — and everyone in the family will feel more rested.

Emma Purdue

Emma is the owner and founder of Baby Sleep Consultant, she is a certified infant and child sleep consultant, Happiest Baby on the Block educator, has a Bachelor of Science, and Diploma in Education.

Emma is a mother to 3 children, and loves writing when she isn't working with tired clients and cheering on her team helping thousands of mums just like you.