Stay in the room and near the bed until the child falls asleep again. Use a night light. Most children are afraid of the dark. Have your child sleep in a room close to your bedroom. Try to eliminate stress from the home if possible.
Children find parental fighting, illness and abuse very disturbing.
Question your child about stress outside the home. Avoid violent or frightening television shows or movies, especially close to bedtime. Assure your child that it's only a dream, that it isn't real. Try to get him or her to talk about what went on in the dream. Often talking about a dream makes it less frightening.