On the other hand, many parents report that they simply would like a list of Do's and Don'ts that might encourage a reduction or disappearance in symptoms. The brain flows through different stages during sleep, some of which are deeper than others. The stage of dreaming usually appears during the lighter stages of sleep and are, in essence, a gateway to other deeper stages. This lighter stage is also why some people have difficulty recalling their dreams, as, in their case, they may have a small window of opportunity for dreaming. Unfortunately, for children who have nightmares, their stage may last longer than their peers and may appear more frequently, or even, prevent other stages from ensuing.
Parents can empower their child to view sleeping in a different, more constructive manner.
For instance, many adults and children do not realize that they can talk over the events in the nightmare. Moreover, establishing a bedtime routine that includes visualization as well as steps that encourage calming and sleep inducing measures are other ways to induce more restful sleep. Some children are better able than others at falling asleep quickly. A child should be give 3-5 steps that will teach the brain that when these steps are made, sleep is not far behind. Such routines can include a nutritious snack that involves a protein and a complex carbohydrate to make certain that blood sugar levels can stabilize throughout the night.