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Print: When should I worry about nightmares or night terrors?
Nightmares and night terrors in children are usually not caused by mental or physical illness. Often nightmares happen after a stressful physical or emotional event. In the first 6 months after the event, a child might have nightmares while he or she gets used to what happened in the event. If nightmares or night terrors keep happening and disturb your child's sleep, they can affect your child's ability to function during the day. Talk with your doctor about whether treatment will help your child.
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Source
Nightmares and Disorders of Dreaming by JF Pagel, MD (American Family Physician April 01, 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000401/2037.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 12/10
Created: 09/00
