Ashwin Lewis
It is not uncommon for parents to wonder why their newborn is laughing in their sleep. Laughing during sleep, also called hypnogely, is a relatively common occurrence in babies, and it often prompts parents to note down their baby's first laughter. While it is generally harmless, there are rare instances where it could indicate a neurological issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commonness | Laughing during sleep is a relatively common occurrence in newborns and babies |
| Cause for concern | Laughing during sleep is typically harmless but can sometimes be a sign of a neurological issue or REM sleep behaviour disorder |
| Sleep stage | Laughing during sleep usually happens during REM sleep but can also occur during non-REM sleep |
| Age | Babies often start to laugh in their sleep as early as a few months old |
| Spiritual beliefs | The act of a baby laughing in sleep has been considered a sign of divine interaction or spiritual intimacy |
| Room temperature | A cooler room temperature between 68–72 °F (20–22 °C) is ideal for a baby's sleep |
| Sound environment | Soft, rhythmic sounds or white noise can soothe a baby to sleep |
| Bedtime routine | Establishing a bedtime routine can signal to a baby that it's time to wind down and go to sleep |
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What You'll Learn
- Laughing in sleep, or hypnogely, is generally harmless
- It can occur during REM sleep, when most dreaming takes place
- It can also happen during non-REM sleep, which is rarer
- Laughing in sleep is sometimes associated with neurological issues
- Parents can create an ideal sleeping environment to promote restful sleep
Laughing in sleep, or hypnogely, is generally harmless
It is relatively common for babies to laugh in their sleep, and this occurrence, known as hypnogely, is generally harmless. Laughing in sleep usually happens during REM sleep, the stage when most dreaming occurs, but it can also happen during non-REM sleep. During REM sleep, the eyes move very quickly, the brain waves are varied, and the breathing is irregular. The body also becomes temporarily paralysed during this stage to prevent the sleeper from acting out their dreams.
Babies experience REM sleep as early as a few months old, and their dreams are likely more sensory-based than narrative-based, as their brains are still developing. While the exact reason for laughter during sleep is unknown, it is thought to be related to dreams. Pediatricians suggest that laughing during sleep could be a baby's reaction to dreams, and some parents report that it is delightful to witness.
In rare instances, laughter during sleep can be a sign of a neurological issue or a more serious sleep disorder, such as REM sleep behaviour disorder. This disorder is characterised by the absence of limb paralysis during REM sleep, leading to physical acting out of dreams. It is also associated with other disorders, including Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's disease. However, these cases are uncommon, and laughter during sleep is typically nothing to worry about.
To promote a restful sleep environment for your newborn, consider maintaining a cool room temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C) and using blackout curtains to block out outside light. Soft, rhythmic sounds or white noise played at a soft volume can also help soothe your baby to sleep. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
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It can occur during REM sleep, when most dreaming takes place
It is not uncommon for newborns to laugh in their sleep. While it may be a delightful mystery for new parents, it is often a normal part of their development. Laughing during sleep, also called hypnogely, is a relatively common occurrence. It can often be observed in babies, and it is usually harmless.
There are two main types of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep. Over the course of a night, we cycle through multiple cycles of REM and non-REM sleep. REM sleep is when most dreaming occurs, and it first starts about an hour and a half after falling asleep. During REM sleep, the eyes move very quickly, the brain waves are similar to those during wakefulness, and the arms and legs are temporarily paralyzed to prevent us from acting out our dreams.
Laughing in sleep usually happens during REM sleep, although it can also occur during non-REM sleep. It is typically not something to worry about and is often associated with dreaming. While we don't know exactly what newborns dream about, their dreams may be more sensory-based than narrative-based, like adult dreams. Pediatricians suggest that laughing during sleep could be a newborn's reaction to dreams.
In rare instances, laughter during sleep can be a sign of a more serious neurological issue or a sleep disorder. For example, REM sleep behavior disorder is a condition where the paralysis of limbs does not occur during REM sleep, leading to physical acting out of dreams. However, these cases are uncommon, and generally, a newborn's laughter during sleep is a normal and delightful occurrence.
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It can also happen during non-REM sleep, which is rarer
While it is rarer, newborn laughter can occur during non-REM sleep. Non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a deeper sleep stage where dreaming is less likely to occur. During this stage, the body is temporarily paralysed to prevent sleepers from acting out their dreams. However, laughter during non-REM sleep can be a sign of non-REM sleep arousal parasomnias, which are similar to being half-asleep and half-awake. These parasomnias include sleepwalking and sleep terrors, and they are more common in children but can also occur in adults.
Parasomnias are abnormal movements, perceptions, or emotions that happen during sleep. They can be caused by various lifestyle and medical conditions, such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and depression. In rare instances, laughing during sleep can be a sign of a neurological issue or a more serious disorder, such as REM sleep behaviour disorder. During REM sleep behaviour disorder, the paralysis that usually occurs during REM sleep is absent, and individuals may act out their dreams physically, including through laughing.
While newborn laughter during non-REM sleep is rarer, it is important to remember that laughing in sleep is generally harmless. It is often a delightful mystery for new parents, and pediatricians suggest that it could be a baby's reaction to dreams. Since newborn brains are still developing, their dreams may be more sensory-based rather than narrative-driven like adult dreams. Additionally, a baby's laughter during sleep can be viewed through a spiritual lens, with some believing it is a manifestation of pure soul-level joy untainted by the complexities of the physical world.
To enhance a newborn's sleep environment, parents can use tools such as blackout curtains to create a dark and calm atmosphere. Maintaining a cool room temperature between 68-72°F (20-22°C) is also ideal for a baby's sleep, providing comfort and preventing overheating. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can also help signal to newborns that it is time to wind down and sleep.
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Laughing in sleep is sometimes associated with neurological issues
Laughing in sleep, also known as hypnogely, is a relatively common occurrence in newborns and babies. While it is usually harmless, laughing in sleep can sometimes be a sign of a neurological issue.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)
In rare cases, laughter during sleep can be a symptom of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). During RBD, people act out their dreams with physical movements and vocalisations. This can include laughing, shouting, talking, and flailing limbs. RBD is characterised by a lack of muscle atonia, which is the paralysis that usually occurs during REM sleep. This sleep disorder tends to get worse over time and is more common in older males.
Non-REM Sleep Arousal Parasomnias
Laughing in sleep can also be associated with non-REM sleep arousal parasomnias, which are similar to being half-asleep and half-awake. Parasomnias are sleep disorders that cause abnormal movements, perceptions, or emotions during sleep. Parasomnias that can occur during non-REM sleep include sleepwalking and sleep terrors, which are more common in children but can also happen in adults.
Gelastic Seizures
In very rare instances, there are types of seizures in infants called gelastic seizures that can cause episodes of uncontrolled giggling or laughter. These seizures can occur as the baby is falling asleep or while they are asleep, and they may last around 10 to 20 seconds. If gelastic seizures occur regularly and are accompanied by unusual behaviours or movements, it is important to consult a pediatrician.
Other Neurological Conditions
Laughing in sleep has also been linked to other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, multiple system atrophy, and hypothalamic hamartoma (HH). People with these conditions may be more likely to experience RBD or gelastic seizures, which can cause laughter during sleep.
While it is important to be aware of these potential associations, it is essential to remember that laughing in sleep is typically harmless and may simply be a natural response to pleasant dreams or feelings of joy. If you are concerned about your newborn's sleep patterns or behaviour, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and evaluation.
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Parents can create an ideal sleeping environment to promote restful sleep
It is common for newborns to laugh in their sleep, and it is usually nothing to worry about. In rare cases, laughter during sleep can be a sign of a neurological issue or a REM sleep behaviour disorder.
Creating an ideal sleeping environment for newborns is important to promote restful sleep. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Firstly, make the room dark. Newborns don't initially have a sense of day and night, and darkness is comforting for them as it resembles the womb. Blackout window covers can be used to achieve this darkness. Keeping the room dark during sleep and exposing the baby to light when they're awake can help prevent day and night confusion.
Secondly, maintain a cool temperature in the baby's room. A cooler room temperature helps the baby fall asleep faster and encourages deeper sleep. Aim for a temperature between 68-72°F (19-21°C). If the room temperature is difficult to control, dress the baby appropriately for the temperature.
Thirdly, ensure that the sleep surface is safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6 months, either on a separate mattress or in a crib. Always place the baby on their back to sleep, using a firm, flat sleep surface covered with a fitted sheet. Keep soft toys, pillows, blankets, and other loose items away from the baby's sleep area to avoid the risk of suffocation.
Additionally, keep things quiet and calm during nighttime feedings and diaper changes. Avoid playing with or talking to your baby at this time, as it may reinforce the idea that nighttime is for staying awake. Instead, let your baby fall asleep in the crib at night to establish a sleep association with the crib.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is relatively common for newborns to laugh in their sleep. This usually happens during REM sleep, but it can also occur during non-REM sleep. It is generally harmless and a normal part of their development.
There could be several reasons. One theory suggests that it is a baby's reaction to dreams. Since a newborn's brain is still developing, their dreams are likely to be more sensory-based than narrative. Another theory suggests that it is a result of their brain processing human interactions and daily events while they sleep.
Across different cultures, a baby laughing in their sleep has been considered a sign of divine interaction or spiritual intimacy. From a spiritual perspective, it is seen as a manifestation of pure soul-level joy, untainted by the complexities of the physical world.
Newborns can start laughing in their sleep as early as a few weeks old. However, it is important to note that a newborn baby is unlikely to give a full laugh because their lungs are not yet fully developed.
