If your child wakes up in the middle of the night scared, fully awake, and talking about monsters, sharks, or something chasing them, you're likely dealing with a nightmare.

In this episode, Allison explains what nightmares really are, why they happen, and how they're different from night terrors. You'll learn one of the most important clues for telling the difference between the two, and why the timing of the wake-up matters more than most parents realize.

Nightmares are extremely common, especially in the preschool and early elementary years when imagination is developing quickly. But while they're normal, frequent nightmares are often a sign that something in your child's sleep or daily routine needs adjusting.

We'll talk about the most common triggers, including overtiredness, stress, illness, and the content children are exposed to during the day, and what to do in the moment when your child wakes up scared.

Most importantly, you'll walk away with practical strategies to help reduce nightmares and support more restful nights for your whole family.

• What nightmares are and how they differ from night terrors

• Why nightmares usually happen in the early morning hours

• The most common triggers for nightmares in children

• How overtiredness and late bedtimes increase nightmares

• Why content (movies, shows, stories, conversations) can fuel nightmares

• What to say - and what not to say - when your child wakes up scared

• Simple sleep changes that can reduce nightmares quickly

• How to help sensitive or imaginative children feel more secure at night

And if you suspect your child might be dealing with night terrors, listen to last week's episode: 233. Night Terrors in Kids: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How to Stop Them

Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube

Wondering if your child is getting enough sleep? Allison's free guides take the guesswork out of bedtime. Learn the optimal sleep ranges for every age so your little one can feel their best—day after day. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old

From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use.

Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place.

Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics.

Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime?

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• On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review."

• On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review.

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If you've ever rushed into your child's room in the middle of the night to find them screaming, sitting up, and completely inconsolable… and only to have them settle back to sleep like nothing happened… night terrors may be the reason.

Night terrors can be incredibly frightening to witness, but they're often misunderstood. In this episode, Allison explains what night terrors really are, why they happen, and what parents can do both in the moment and behind the scenes to prevent them.

You'll also learn one of the most important clues for telling the difference between night terrors and nightmares, and why timing matters more than most parents realize.

Most importantly, we'll talk about the root cause behind the majority of night terrors and the simple sleep changes that often stop them within days.

• What night terrors actually are (and why they're not dreams)

• The key difference between night terrors and nightmares

• Why night terrors usually happen in the first half of the night

• The most common triggers, including one many parents overlook

• What to do during a night terror (and what NOT to do)

• Why waking your child can sometimes make things worse

• The role overtiredness plays in night terrors

• The sleep schedule changes that often stop them quickly

Next week, we're continuing the conversation with an episode all about nightmares and why the approach to handling them is different.

Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube

Looking for expert guidance on your child's sleep? Allison offers two free age-specific guides to help you discover how much sleep kids need to thrive—at any age. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old

From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use.

Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place.

Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics.

Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime?

Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents.

• On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review."

• On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review.

Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date!

Connect with Allison:
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Many toddlers wake up before it's truly time to start the day, or before their wake up light turns green. When that happens, parents often wonder:

Should I let my child quietly play with toys until it's time to get up?
And is it okay to let kids bring toys into bed at bedtime or nap time?

At first glance, both of these solutions can feel harmless or even like a parenting win. But in reality, they can sometimes create habits that make sleep more difficult.

In this episode, Allison answers these two common questions and explains why protecting the sleep environment matters more than many parents realize.

You'll learn why toys can make it harder for children to fall asleep efficiently, how early morning play can reinforce early wakings, and what boundaries help toddlers and preschoolers get the sleep they need.

Allison also shares realistic alternatives, including when comfort items and loveys are perfectly fine and how wake up lights can still work well with the right structure.

If your toddler or preschooler struggles with bedtime stalling or early morning wakings, this episode will help you create a sleep environment that supports rest instead of competing with it.

Click here to listen to the episode on YouTube

Looking for expert guidance on your child's sleep? Allison offers two free age-specific guides to help you discover how much sleep kids need to thrive—at any age. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old

From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long 'Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use.

Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you're trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you're in the right place.

Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics.

Enjoying How Long 'Til Bedtime?

Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents.

• On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap "Write a Review."

• On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review.

Don't miss an episode—subscribe so you're always up to date!

Connect with Allison:
Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube