# What's the difference between night terrors and nightmares? | Clever Mum > Night terrors happen in deep sleep, usually in the first half of the night — your toddler may scream, thrash or seem terrified, but they're not actually awake * [ Home ](/) * › [ Mum Answers ](/answers) * › What's the difference between night terrors and nightmares? Toddler # What's the difference between night terrors and nightmares? Quick answer — What's the difference between night terrors and nightmares? Night terrors happen in deep sleep, usually in the first half of the night — your toddler may scream, thrash or seem terrified, but they're not actually awake and won't remember it. Don't try to wake them; just keep them safe and stay nearby until it passes (usually minutes). Nightmares happen later in the night during lighter sleep, wake your child, and they'll want comfort and remember it. Both usually fade with age and a consistent, well-timed bedtime. ## Why they look so different from the inside Night terrors happen during deep, non-REM sleep, most often 1–3 hours after falling asleep. Your child may sit up, scream, thrash or appear wide-eyed and terrified, but they're genuinely not conscious — trying to wake or comfort them can prolong the episode and confuse them further. The kindest response is to ensure they can't hurt themselves, stay close, and wait; they typically settle back into sleep within a few minutes and won't remember it at all in the morning. Nightmares happen during REM sleep, more common in the second half of the night, and genuinely wake your child — who will usually want you, remember the dream, and may be reluctant to go back to sleep alone. ## What triggers them Overtiredness, a disrupted routine, illness, or a change in the day (excitement, a new environment) are common triggers for both. An earlier, more consistent bedtime is the single most useful preventive step for night terrors specifically, since overtiredness is the biggest known trigger. ## When to mention it to your GP Very frequent night terrors, ones causing risk of injury, or terrors that continue well past the toddler years are worth raising — but occasional episodes in a toddler are developmentally normal and almost always outgrown. **Buying guide:** [Best blackout blinds for nurseries](/best/best-blackout-blinds-nursery-uk/) ## More Toddler questions * [When should my toddler move from cot to bed?](/answers/when-move-cot-to-bed/) * [My toddler refuses vegetables — should I worry?](/answers/toddler-wont-eat-vegetables/) * [When should my toddler start talking?](/answers/when-do-toddlers-talk/) * [My toddler isn’t talking yet — what should I do first?](/answers/toddler-not-talking-first-steps/) * [Is it a tantrum or a sensory meltdown?](/answers/tantrum-or-sensory-meltdown/) [Browse every question we answer →](/answers/) Health answers describe NHS guidance and are not medical advice — for anything urgent, call 111 (or 999 in an emergency). Spotted something out of date? Email [editors@clevermum.co.uk](mailto:editors@clevermum.co.uk).