Waking from nap terrified

For the past 4 days straight, Ella has been waking up after 1/2 hour of her nap screaming and shaking. It takes her a while to settle back down. A couple of the days, she's let me put her back down to happen a 1/2 hour later. This is something new. They usually take a 2-3 hour nap without a problem. This hasn't happened at night at all. Anyone else experience this? Do you think she's having bad dreams? Why just during her nap and not at night at all?

 

I don't have any experience with that, but it almost sounds like night terrors, but not at night. I hope it's just a phase that passes.

 

It does sound as though it is nightmares or even night terrors. One of the easiest ways to tell is if she is waking up fully and responding to you then it's a nightmare not a night terror. Here is a link to a web page that fully explains the differences and gives some tips on how to help. This page and this one also have some good information.

As for why it is happening at nap time but not at night, I'm not sure. Perhaps when she has her nap her mind is more stimulated from playing all morning. Maybe you could incorporate a 'calm down' time for about half an hour before they go down for a nap?

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I'm having the same problem with Caleb, only his happens at night and not during nap. I'm so exhausted. I hope it's just a phase. He won't go back to sleep once it happens. At least yours don't do it at night.

Jamie

 

Now we're on day #6 and still happening. Today is was just after 15 min. of being asleep. I have no idea! I kind of want to go in and just sit and watch what happens. Hopefully it will pass! Tomorrow I have to go out and I know they'll fall asleep in the car and let me transfer them to their cribs to continue napping. Maybe that will break the cycle?!?!