Hi there
I'm not sure if you have a copy of Tracy's last book, but on page 271 there is a section about why toddlers scream in their sleep. Just in case you don't have a copy of the book - this is what it says (hope it helps!).
Nightmares:
What is it? - A psychological experience that occurs during REM sleep, it is the proverbial 'bad' dream, in which the child relives an unpleasant emotion or previous trauma. His mind is active but his body (except for the rapid movement of the eyes) is at rest.
When does it happen? - Usually in the second half of the night when REM sleep is most concentrated.
What does it sound and look like? - Child awakes screaming but is conscious when you come to him, or awakes shortly thereafter. He probably will remember the experience - bad dreams can haunt children for years.
What do you do when it happens? - Comfort and reassure your child, and encourage him to talk about the dream if he remembers the specifics. Don't minimize his fears - the dream is very real to him. Soothe him with lots of cuddles, even lie within for a while, but don't take him into your bed.
How do you prevent future episodes? - Figrue out what might be stressful or fear-inducing for your child and avoid daytime encounters with it. Stick to your regular bedtimes and wind-down rituals. If your child is afraid of 'monsters', give him a night-light and check under the bed.
Night terror
What is it? - Called a 'confusional arousal' in toddlers (a true night terror happens in adolescence and is rare), it, like sleepwalking is a physiological experience. Instead of making the normal transition from deep sleep to REM, the child gets caught between the two stages. His body is active, but his mind is not.
When does it happen? - Usually in the first 2 or 3 hours of sleep - the first third of the night.
What does it sound and look like? - Begins with a high-pitched scream. Child's eyes open, his body is rigid and possibly in a cold sweat, and his face might be flushed. He may not recognize you when you come to him and won't remember anything about it later on.
What do you do when it happens? - Don't wake him; it will only prolong the episode, which typically lasts about 10 minutes (it could also be as short as 1 minute or as long as 40). This is more upsetting to you than to him, so try to relax yourself and ride it out by offering only verbal reassurance. Protect him from banging into furniture.
How do you prevent future episodes? - Try to keep his routine consistent, and avoid letting your child get over-tired. If these episodes occur frequently, or if a tendency toward sleepwalking runs in your family, you might want to talk to your pediatrician or consult a sleep specialist.
Hope this help!
Rachel xx
