Evie Summers
It is not uncommon for newborns to laugh in their sleep. While the exact reason for this is not known, there are several theories. One theory suggests that it is a reflex, similar to the Moro reflex, which is triggered when a baby hears a loud noise while sleeping. Another theory speculates that it is related to their developing sense of humour. While laughing in sleep is generally harmless, in rare cases, it could indicate a neurological issue such as gelastic seizures or REM sleep behaviour disorder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How common is it? | Laughing in sleep is a relatively common occurrence in newborns and babies. |
| Cause for concern | In most cases, it is harmless and not a cause for concern. In rare instances, it can be a sign of a neurological issue, such as gelastic seizures or REM sleep behaviour disorder. |
| Sleep cycle | Newborns sleep in short cycles, alternating between active and quiet periods. They can sleep up to 17 hours a day but only stay asleep for 2-3 hours at a time. |
| Sleep stages | Newborns spend about 50% of their time in REM sleep, which is associated with dreaming in adults. However, it is unclear if newborns dream. |
| Reflex | Laughing in sleep may be a reflex, similar to the Moro reflex or the startle reflex. It could also be a baby's developing sense of humour. |
| Facial expressions | Smiling during sleep is common in newborns and may be a sign of contentment. It also helps them practice their facial muscles. |
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What You'll Learn
- Laughing in sleep, or hypnogely, is a common occurrence in newborns
- Newborns spend about 50% of their time in REM sleep, which is linked to dreaming in adults
- In rare cases, laughing in sleep could be a sign of gelastic seizures, a type of seizure that causes uncontrollable laughter
- Sleep laughing is believed to be a reflex, similar to the Moro reflex, and is not considered a social skill
- It is also thought to be a baby's developing sense of humour, as they are responding to an internal impulse
Laughing in sleep, or hypnogely, is a common occurrence in newborns
During the first few months of life, newborns sleep in short cycles that alternate between active and quiet periods. They can sleep up to 17 hours a day but only stay asleep for 2-3 hours at a time. Newborns also experience REM and non-REM sleep, with REM sleep making up 25% of their sleep time. While it is rare, laughter during non-REM sleep can indicate something more serious, such as REM sleep behavior disorder or non-REM sleep arousal parasomnias.
In most cases, laughing in sleep is a normal and healthy occurrence for newborns. It is believed to be a reflex, similar to the Moro reflex when a baby hears a loud noise and smiles or laughs in response. Smiling during sleep is also common and may be a sign of contentment or a way for babies to practice the facial muscles needed for smiling. As babies grow older, they may start to mimic facial expressions, including smiling and laughing, which further develops their facial muscles.
While laughing in sleep is typically harmless, there are some rare instances where it could be a cause for concern. For example, uncontrollable laughing fits could be a sign of gelastic seizures. If parents ever have concerns about their baby's health or well-being, they should contact a healthcare provider for advice and reassurance.
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Newborns spend about 50% of their time in REM sleep, which is linked to dreaming in adults
Newborns spend a lot of time sleeping—up to 18 hours a day. This sleep is split nearly evenly between REM and non-REM sleep (NREM) sleep stages. Newborns may only experience two of the four sleep cycles, with about 50% of their sleep time spent in REM sleep. In contrast, adults only spend about 20% of each night's sleep in REM.
REM sleep is an active sleep stage in which a baby's eyes can move underneath closed eyelids. The baby may also twitch or jerk their arms and legs. It is an important part of a baby's development, as neural connections go into overdrive during this stage. REM sleep can also cause irregular breathing that may stop for 5-10 seconds.
Newborns' sleep patterns can be quite different from those of adults. They may sleep for up to 18 hours a day, with their sleep time split between REM and non-REM sleep. They may also experience irregular breathing patterns during REM sleep, with breathing stopping for a few seconds at a time.
REM sleep is linked to dreaming in adults, and it is possible that newborns also dream during this stage of sleep. However, the exact nature of infants' dreams is uncertain, as their cognitive and emotional experiences differ significantly from those of adults. While it is unclear what causes a baby to laugh in their sleep, it is generally considered harmless and a common occurrence.
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In rare cases, laughing in sleep could be a sign of gelastic seizures, a type of seizure that causes uncontrollable laughter
It is common for newborns to laugh in their sleep. In most cases, this is harmless and simply a result of the baby responding to an internal impulse or reflex. Newborns spend about 50% of their time in REM sleep, which is linked with dreaming in adults. However, it is uncertain whether newborns dream.
In rare instances, laughing in sleep can be a sign of a neurological issue. One such instance is gelastic seizures, a type of seizure that causes uncontrollable laughter. These seizures are often called "laughing seizures" and can cause a range of emotions in the person experiencing them, from fear to a sense of loss of control. The laughter or giggling may sound forced or unusual, and the person may also exhibit other behaviours such as grunting, squirming, or seeking comfort.
Gelastic seizures are focal or partial seizures that originate in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls these actions. They are typically associated with hypothalamic hamartomas (HH), which are rare, non-cancerous brain tumours. However, in some cases, gelastic seizures can occur without the presence of hypothalamic hamartomas, suggesting that hypothalamic disorganization alone can cause them.
Diagnosing gelastic seizures can be challenging, as the symptoms may be missed or not immediately recognized as seizures. Often, the diagnosis is not made until a different, more visible type of seizure occurs. An electroencephalogram (EEG) can be used to diagnose gelastic seizures by recording unusual spikes or waves in electrical activity patterns in the brain. Treatment options include anti-seizure medications and, in some cases, surgery or radiation therapy to address the underlying tumour.
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Sleep laughing is believed to be a reflex, similar to the Moro reflex, and is not considered a social skill
Sleep laughing is a relatively common phenomenon in newborns. Newborns spend about 50% of their time in REM sleep, which is linked with dreaming in adults. However, it is unclear whether newborns dream or not. While the exact cause of sleep laughing in newborns is unknown, it is believed to be a reflex, similar to the Moro reflex, and is not considered a social skill.
The Moro reflex is a newborn's response to a loud noise or sudden movement, often characterised by the baby throwing their arms out to the side with their palms facing up. Similarly, sleep laughing may be a reflexive response to internal stimuli or external stimuli, such as loud noises. This reflex may also help newborns develop the muscles needed for smiling and laughing voluntarily while awake.
During sleep, newborns may experience active sleep cycles, which are characterised by eye fluttering, arm and leg twitching, and other involuntary movements, including smiles or chuckles. These involuntary movements are believed to be a result of the brain processing new information from the day. While it is unclear if newborns dream, it is theorised that they experience dream-like activity during REM sleep.
While sleep laughing is generally harmless, there are rare cases where it could indicate a more serious issue. For example, uncontrollable laughing fits could be a sign of gelastic seizures, a rare type of seizure. Additionally, sleep laughing can be associated with REM sleep behaviour disorder, where individuals act out their dreams physically, or non-REM sleep arousal parasomnias, such as sleepwalking and sleep terrors. Therefore, if sleep laughing is accompanied by abnormal behaviour or sleep disturbances, it may be cause for concern and further evaluation by a healthcare professional.
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It is also thought to be a baby's developing sense of humour, as they are responding to an internal impulse
It is not uncommon for newborns to laugh in their sleep. While the exact reason for this is not known, there are several theories that attempt to explain this phenomenon. One of the most widely accepted theories is that it is simply a reflex or an internal impulse. This is supported by the observation that newborns experience an equivalent of REM sleep called active sleep, during which their bodies can make involuntary movements, including smiles and laughter. This theory is further strengthened by the fact that newborns spend about 50% of their time in REM sleep, which is linked to dreaming in adults. However, it is important to note that the nature of infant dreams remains uncertain, as their cognitive and emotional experiences differ significantly from those of adults.
Another theory suggests that newborn laughter during sleep could be a sign of a developing sense of humour. This theory posits that as newborns grow and develop, they begin to respond to internal impulses or reflexes that are more complex than simple involuntary movements. These impulses could be the result of their brains processing new information and experiences during the day. While this theory is intriguing, it is important to note that it is still just speculation, as the exact nature of newborn dreams and internal processes remains largely a mystery.
Additionally, some researchers believe that newborn laughter during sleep may be a form of practice or preparation for future social interactions. This theory suggests that newborns are unconsciously developing the facial muscles needed for smiling and laughing, which will later be used in social contexts. This idea is supported by the observation that babies often imitate adult facial expressions and that their first social smiles often occur around two months of age.
It is worth noting that, in rare cases, newborn laughter during sleep can be a sign of something more serious, such as gelastic seizures or REM sleep behaviour disorder. However, these instances are uncommon, and in the majority of cases, newborn laughter during sleep is completely normal and harmless. Overall, while the exact reason for newborn laughter during sleep may remain uncertain, it is generally considered to be a positive and adorable aspect of their development.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very common for newborns to laugh in their sleep. Newborns spend about 50% of their time in REM sleep, which is linked to dreaming in adults. However, it is unclear if newborns dream as their cognitive and emotional experiences differ from adults.
Scientists are unsure why newborns laugh in their sleep. One theory is that it is a reflex, like the Moro reflex, where newborns smile or laugh in response to a loud noise. Another theory is that it is a sign of a developing sense of humour.
In most cases, laughing in sleep is harmless and not a cause for concern. However, in rare instances, it can be a sign of a neurological issue such as a gelastic seizure or REM sleep behaviour disorder. If you are concerned about your newborn's health, contact a healthcare provider.
