Nightmares can occur at any age, but they are more common between the ages of 3 and 6, with half starting before the age of 10.
The incidence in children has been reported to be as high as 15%. Parents can detect nightmares as early as 2 to 3 years of age, but children can only describe the frightening dreams or nightmares they experience until they are 3 to 4 years old, but after a few weeks, months, and occasionally years, the frequency and intensity of nightmares usually decreases or lessens dramatically.
Frequent nightmares in children may be related to a child’s mood caused by improper sleep positions, anxiety about being separated from caregivers, criticism at school or at home, or abuse.
If a child is found to be depressed, sad or haunted, parents should first ask patient and careful questions to ease the child’s emotions and help him or her to solve the problem. If parents cannot solve the problem, or if they experience nightmares of unknown origin, they should seek medical attention promptly.