As a pediatric chiropractor serving Middleton, Madison, and greater Dane County, Wisconsin, we’ve helped many families through sleep challenges. But my understanding of nightmares and nervous system connection became deeply personal when my own son started experiencing them.
Understanding Nightmares Differently
First, let’s address something important: nightmares are common, but they aren’t normal. We say this often in our office about various childhood challenges that have gotten the reputation of being “just part of childhood.” Like bedwetting or frequent ear infections, nightmares might be common, but that doesn’t mean we should accept them as normal.
Parents are often also told “it’s just a phase,” but this response brings up more questions than answers. How long will this phase last? Why is it happening? Could it affect other aspects of development? What can we do to improve this phase or get through it faster?
When my son’s nightmares began, the screaming during deep sleep and inconsolable crying told me something wasn’t right. As both a mom and a chiropractor, I knew we needed to look deeper into his nervous system function.
The Nervous System Connection
Understanding how nightmares and sleep disruption connect to the nervous system is crucial. Think of your child’s nervous system like a cup collecting experiences throughout their day. When that cup gets too full, it overflows at night through vivid nightmares, frequent wake-ups, bedtime resistance, emotional overwhelm, and difficulty settling.
These aren’t just random occurrences – they’re signals from an overwhelmed system. When children’s nervous systems get stuck in overdrive, their cortisol levels remain high when they should be dropping for sleep. Instead of resting, their brains are still processing the day’s events, making peaceful sleep nearly impossible. The key is helping them shift out of this “fight or flight” mode into a state where real rest can happen.
How do we know if your child is stuck in this fight or flight pattern?
Through our INSiGHT scanning technology, we can actually see where your child’s system is holding onto stress. These scans give us a clear picture of their nervous system function today and help us create a specific plan for calming their system. This was exactly how we could see where my son’s nervous system was holding stress patterns that were disrupting his sleep.
Creating Change
Through gentle adjustments and consistent care tailored to each child’s needs, we help their nervous systems find better balance. Every care plan is customized based on your child’s unique story, scan results, and specific needs. Parents often notice remarkable changes: bedtimes become easier, nightmares decrease, sleep becomes more restful, and emotional regulation improves naturally. These changes happen as their nervous system shifts from that constant “fight or flight” state into a more balanced state where real rest can occur.
If you’re ready to understand your child’s sleep challenges differently, our Middleton office is here to help. Contact us to learn how we can support your child’s journey to more peaceful nights.
