Night-Time Fears in Children: A Gentle, Evidence-Based Guide
6 min read
Night fears aren't a sign you've coddled your child. They're a sign of an active, imaginative brain in a dark room.
Why fears spike at night
At night, the prefrontal cortex (the logical brain) goes offline first. The fear brain stays awake longer. Fears that felt manageable at 5pm become huge at 9pm.
What works
- A consistent, unhurried wind-down
- Validate first, problem-solve second
- A 'worry parking lot' notebook by the bed
- Soft, warm light — not pitch dark
- A predictable check-in rhythm, not endless returns