Nightmares; suggestions?

[Dreamalittledream]

I have a DCB (he will be 3 in June) who for the last 3 months has woke his parents several times in the night with nightmares. Mom & Dad have a really hard time soothing him after...he has even run away from them when they go in his room. I know when my son was 6 & started this we used a ghost spray (water in a spray bottle scented with vanilla); we would let him spray it and nightmares are very rare now. I don't know DCB is old enough for this to work with him. Any other suggestions?

[mimi]

I saw a naturopath on t.v. yesterday who was discussing the advantages of probiotics. He even stated that an unbalance or depletion of healthy bacteria in the intestines can give some kids nightmares and night terrors. Had never heard of this, but I do know that there is a strong relationship between the gut and the brain. (ever get nervous and then have to use the loo?)
Anyway, this may be an area you might want to pursue. My family and I take a probiotic everyday. There are a few different ones that have different bacterium so it might be best to speak to a naturopath for their suggestions.

[Dreamalittledream]

I saw a naturopath on t.v. yesterday who was discussing the advantages of probiotics. He even stated that an unbalance or depletion of healthy bacteria in the intestines can give some kids nightmares and night terrors...best to speak to a naturopath for their suggestions.

I have never heard of this either! He is a super picky eater....would not surprise me. Thanks!

[Momof4]

That doesn't sound like a nightmare, that sounds like what they call Night Terrors. My son had them when he was 4 for about a year and it was horrible, but he seemed like he was awake and hallucinating but he was actually sound asleep. Maybe your dcfamily should check into that? My son was 4 in the 1980's so they may have a whole new explanation or name for it by now but it's worth checking out.