My 4.5 ds is having constant nightmares, anyone got any tips, I am soooooo tired

[luckywinner]

I think the title says it all! My ds is waking every night, usually around 3am saying he's frightened and he's had a bad dream. We have tried night lights, extra covers on in bed in case he's cold, lifting him at about 10ish just in case he needs a wee. I've even drawn him a sign for his door saying no nightmares allowed in his room.

Last night he woke up 3 times. I am wondering whether it has become a bit of a habit, with the first thing he does is to shout for me when he stirs. I've tried reward charts but these seem a bit unfair if he really is having bad dreams. And also I've stopped them watching any tv after tea and am reading v gentle stories. Last night his dream was about volcanoes and lava.

Any tips would be seriously appreciated as he is tired and so I am, and I feel sad for him that he is so disturbed in his sleep.

have you looked at his diet? what is he eating or drinking before bed?

does he sound upset when he shouts for you? my ds goes through stages where he gets up in the night and then it gets into a habit and then i end up just telling him to get back into bed and go to sleep. i can always tell when he has had a bad dream because he sounds like his going to cry (his voice is all shaky)

Thanks DLI. He eats tea about 5-5.30. Its usually pasta/veg followed by yoghurt/fruit for pudding. I don't let him drink too late as I was worried him needing a wee was waking him up. I think my ds is similar in that he has had bad dreams and now I think he is in a bit of a habit. I just don't want to be too harsh on him just in case he really is scared. I guess its just a case of riding the storm.

Have you asked him what is waking him/Is there something in particular he is scared of? When I was little I would have nightmares about some animals, because I could hear my Dad snoring and I thought it was growling bears/tigers under the bed.

Oh! Volcanoes and lava! Maybe learning more about them, e.g. knowing where they happen and that we don't have them here would help?