At some stage in their lives, many children experience difficulties falling asleep or maintaining a peaceful night’s rest. Nighttime anxiety—manifesting as fears of darkness, loneliness, or imaginary threats—is a completely natural developmental phenomenon that can affect the well-being and daily rhythm of the entire family. At TEQUESTA, we address this issue with care and understanding, knowing how crucial it is to create a sense of security even after dusk.
Why Does Nighttime Anxiety Occur?
- A Child’s Imagination
Little ones have highly developed imaginations—they can create entire worlds full of characters (not always friendly) in their minds. Evening quiet time often stimulates their fantasies, which can sometimes lead to frightening visions or bad dreams. - Developmental Changes
Any developmental leap or new experience (e.g., starting preschool, moving to a new home) can trigger additional stress. Sometimes, children can’t name their worries during the day, and the anxiety intensifies only when they lie down to sleep. - Excess Sensory Stimulation
In an era of intense digitization and constant information flow (TV, tablet, smartphone), an abundance of stimuli can be overwhelming. Unprocessed impressions from the day may “demand” attention at night, increasing stress levels. - Improper Bedtime Habits
An excess of stimulating activities right before bedtime (e.g., loud computer games, watching action-packed cartoons) can make it hard for a child to calm down, thus contributing to nighttime fears.
How to Recognize Nighttime Anxiety in a Child?
- Difficulty Falling Asleep
The child may toss and turn in bed for a long time, avoid going to sleep, ask to keep the light on, or come up with various excuses (e.g., asking for another glass of water) just to delay lights-out. - Nighttime Awakenings
Frequent awakenings, crying, or screaming in the middle of the night, along with the inability to calm down without a parent’s presence, can indicate that the child’s mind is “locked onto” a fear associated with nighttime. - Feeling Unwell During the Day
When a child doesn’t get enough sleep, they may become irritable, have difficulty concentrating, or avoid activities they previously enjoyed. Chronic fatigue can also lead to a lowered mood.
Effective Support Strategies
1. Creating a Safe Space
- Consistent Bedtime Routine
At TEQUESTA, we always encourage parents to establish calm, repetitive evening habits. This can include reading a story, talking about the day just passed, or quietly listening to soothing music. As a result, a child associates bedtime with pleasant and predictable activities. - Friendly Environment
A favorite night light, a cuddly toy, or a security blanket can significantly increase a child’s feeling of safety. It’s worth ensuring that the child’s room isn’t overly bright or filled with noisy devices. Warm, calming wall colors and subtle decorations also promote relaxation.
2. Talking About Emotions
- Name the Fear
Children aren’t always able to articulate what scares them. Ask simple questions like, “Did something worry you today?” or “Did something happen that made you feel uncomfortable?” Help your child find the right words to describe their unease. - Reassure Them of Your Presence
Remind your child that they are not alone in their fear. Explain that everyone feels afraid sometimes, even adults. Offer a hug, calmly stay in their room for a few minutes, or encourage them to draw their “monsters” and symbolically overcome them.
3. Limiting Stimuli Before Bedtime
- Turn Off Electronics
About an hour before bed, it’s a good idea to switch off the TV, tablet, and other electronic devices. Instead, suggest calming activities (like puzzles, reading books, coloring). - Avoid Intense Emotions
Try not to engage in difficult discussions or situations that require significant mental effort from the child just before bedtime. Loud arguments or stressful news can intensify nighttime fears.
4. Relaxation Exercises
- Breathing Exercise
A simple technique is “belly breathing”—ask your child to place a hand on their stomach and slowly breathe in so their hand rises with the inhale. Then have them breathe out, counting to three, for example. - Visualization
Invite your child to imagine a peaceful, friendly place (e.g., a meadow full of flowers or a sandy beach). Let them describe in turn what they see, hear, or feel in this “imagined realm.” This technique helps shift their thoughts from anxiety to relaxation.
How Does TEQUESTA Help?
At our international preschool, we understand well that a sense of security is essential—even when it comes to nighttime worries. Therefore:
- We Strengthen Routines and Predictability
Throughout the day as well as during afternoon rest or naptime, we maintain consistent routines. This helps children feel more secure at home too. - We Talk About Emotions
In a safe environment, it’s easier to put feelings into words. Children also learn that they can express fear, anger, or sadness, and a teacher will help them find ways to deal with these challenging emotions. - We Involve Parents
At TEQUESTA, we place strong emphasis on collaborating with parents. Sharing experiences and ideas on how to establish bedtime routines can yield surprisingly good results and help prevent nighttime fears.
When Is It Time to Seek Professional Help?
If, despite implementing the methods described above, nighttime anxiety persists for a very long time, nightmares become more frequent, and the child clearly suffers from lack of sleep, it’s worth consulting a pediatrician or child psychologist. Sometimes professional support helps uncover deeper sources of stress and develop individual strategies to manage it.
Nighttime anxiety is an inseparable part of growing up; however, with the right amount of patience, empathy, and clearly outlined routines, you can help your child get through this stage more comfortably. At TEQUESTA, our priorities are safety, acceptance, and close cooperation with parents, ensuring that each child can feel confident—both during the day and at night. If you notice that your Little One is having sleep problems or nighttime anxiety, we encourage you to talk to our team. Together, we’ll make sure that the night becomes a time of rest and rejuvenation, rather than a source of fear.
