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. Listen to hear: 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: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube