10 month old screaming in the night

[Momo36]

DD slept through since she was 5 months. She self settles when falling asleep with no problem. Over the last month or so she has started to get really worked up when she wakes in the middle of the night. She cries out and if I do not come to her she gets absolutely hysterical - floods of tears etc etc. I end up sitting in her room for an hour or so as she cries every time I try to leave her. She does not seem in pain or hungry... I'm a first time mum and am trying to figure out why she may be doing it? Is this seperation anxiety? Just a phase (I hope)? I worry that if I go to her every time she will get used to falling asleep only with me in the room. If I don't go to her she gets terribly worked up.

Any thoughts much appreciated!!

[RitaMorgan]

Could be a nightmare, or maybe she is just afraid of the dark?

[Momo36]

She self settles every night in the dark with no problems so I don't think she minds it. I was not aware babies had nightmares so young...