Does Watching TV Before Bed Make Kids Have Bad Dreams?

Sleep should be a comforting and relaxing experience. However, many of us experience a rude awakening after having a nightmare. Children are not immune to these bad dreams. Some nightmares in children are caused by feelings that kids have during the day but they process at night. Sometimes nightmares are caused by seemingly innocuous sources, such as watching TV too late at night.

  1. Media and Bad Dreams

    • A study published in the journal "Pediatrics" in 2011 found that 28 percent of children who watched TV or played video games for at least 30 minutes after 7 p.m. had sleep problems, including nightmares. Only 19 percent of children who used media before 7 p.m. had sleep problems, which also included trouble falling asleep, waking repeatedly during the night, and daytime sleepiness. The more time kids spent watching TV or using media throughout the day, the higher their chances were of experiencing sleep problems. Children in the study watched an average of 73 minutes per day. Researchers also found that the more violent the content, the more likely children were to have bad dreams. No distinction was found for animated violence compared with live action.

    Reducing the Effect of Media

    • Parents don't have to cut TV and media out of their children's lives to ensure a good night's rest. An article at PsychologyToday.com recommends limiting TV and media consumption during the day to brief periods and turning off all devices at least one hour before bedtime. When children do watch TV, play video games or surf the web, it is important to monitor the content to eliminate any violent programming. Keep the bedroom free of TVs, computers, tablets and other media devices so kids are not tempted to turn them on once you leave the room.

    Helping Minimize Bad Dreams

    • Parents can also help reduce the chance their children will have bad dreams by creating a soothing sleep environment for them. KidsHealth.org recommends maintaining the same bed time and wake time, developing a consistent bedtime routine that helps them relax, and offering them a favorite toy or stuffed animal to cuddle. Bedtime routines can include a cuddle, reading or some quiet talk.

    Responding to Bad Dreams

    • If your child does have a bad dream, you can comfort him several ways. Cleveland Clinic recommends holding your child and talking soothingly, but waiting until the morning to discuss the content of the dream. Psychologist Laura Markham, writing at AhaParenting.com, recommends talking through the dreams, showing empathy for their fears and listening to their feelings about the dream. The National Sleep Foundation also recommends teaching your child relaxation strategies to assuage anxiety during the day.

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