To anyone who has a 3 year old.

I can’t comment on kids but when I am overtired or had a very busy day I get these types of things, like I’ll be lying in bed thinking I’m awake but I’m actually asleep but I will see massive tarantulas running across my room walls and instantly wake up with a massive fright because it’s so real

My 2.5 year old mostly dropped her nap, but she was still obviously tired and had trouble with her emotions in the evening. In n the evening, sometimes she would wake up crying around an hour after she fell asleep. What worked for us was having quiet time after lunch. We all go up to bed, and she has to keep her head on the pillow. She listens to Headspace Sesame Street sleepcasts, and rarely she falls asleep, but mostly she chills. It helps her a lot.

I’ve read that sometimes nightmares can be caused by a drop in blood sugar in the night. It’s recommended to not end the day on a sugary or high carb snack but to try a small protein snack before bedtime instead. Perhaps try that and see if it helps?