Herbie Murray
Newborns sleep for at least 16 hours a day, and their sleep patterns and behaviours can be quite unpredictable. One such behaviour is sleeping with their eyes open, which can be startling for new parents. This phenomenon is called nocturnal lagophthalmos, and it is estimated to affect up to 20% of people. While it can be concerning for parents, it is generally not harmful to infants and is considered a normal part of their development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical Term | Nocturnal Lagophthalmos |
| Alternative Term | Physiological Lagophthalmos |
| Cause | Unknown, but possibly linked to REM sleep |
| Prevalence | Affects up to 20% of people |
| Harmless | Yes |
| Duration | Usually stops by 18 months |
| Dry Eyes | Possible side effect |
| Redness | Possible side effect |
| Genetics | May be hereditary |
| Development | May be linked to nervous system development |
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What You'll Learn
Newborns spend more time in REM sleep
Newborns typically sleep between 12 and 17 hours a day, but they do so in short bursts of 20 to 50 minutes. During this time, newborns spend about half of their sleeping time in active sleep, which is similar to REM sleep in adults. In the REM stage, the eyes move and muscles twitch, particularly in the face. This can cause newborns to sleep with their eyes partially or fully open.
REM sleep is associated with increased brain activity, dreams, and emotional processing. While in this stage, adults experience skeletal muscle paralysis, but this does not occur in newborns. Instead, newborns move around, make noises, and open their eyes while sleeping. During these early months, a newborn's brain and body are working hard to learn vital skills, such as digestion, even while they are sleeping.
The reason for open-eyed sleeping in newborns is not fully understood. One theory suggests that it is related to the longer REM sleep cycle in newborns, which can cause the eyelids to remain slightly open. Another theory proposes that it is due to the immaturity of the neurological and muscular systems, which can affect the ability to keep the eyes closed during sleep. In most cases, open-eyed sleeping in newborns is not a cause for concern and is considered a normal part of their development.
As newborns grow older, they spend less time in REM sleep and their sleep patterns begin to regulate, becoming more similar to those of adults. By the time they are 6 months old, newborns typically sleep with their eyes open less often, and this habit usually stops altogether by the time they are 18 months old. However, if a newborn sleeps with their eyes open for many hours at a time or experiences eye dryness or irritation, it is recommended to consult a paediatrician or doctor.
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The nervous system is still developing
Nerves play a crucial role in closing the eyelids during sleep. Since a newborn's central nervous system is still developing and maturing, the signals that trigger eyelid closure may not always be transmitted correctly. As a result, open-eyed sleep may simply be a byproduct of this developmental stage.
Newborns spend a significant amount of their sleep time in REM sleep, which is characterised by increased brain activity, dreams, and emotional processing. During this stage, their eyes may roll, and they may even smile, all while they are soundly asleep. The eye movements and facial expressions are natural aspects of the sleep cycle and are not indicative of any discomfort or cause for concern.
As newborns progress through their initial months of life, their brain and body are working diligently to master essential skills, such as digestion, even during sleep. This intense development occurring during active sleep can result in observable movements, noises, and occasional crying.
By the time babies reach the age of six months, their sleep patterns start to regulate. They spend less time in REM sleep and transition through sleep stages in a more predictable manner, resembling the sleep patterns of adults. Consequently, you will likely observe your baby dozing with open eyes less frequently, until this behaviour eventually stops.
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It could be genetic
It is indeed a joy to witness the adorable antics of your newborn. However, it can be a little unnerving when they do something unnerving, like sleeping with their eyes open. This phenomenon is called nocturnal lagophthalmos, and it affects less than 2% of adults. In babies, however, it usually has no underlying medical cause and is known as psychological lagophthalmos.
While medical researchers are unsure why this happens, one possible explanation is that babies spend more than half of their sleeping time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. During REM sleep, the eyes move, and muscles twitch, especially in the face. This might lead to your baby sleeping with their eyes fully or partially open. Additionally, nerves play a role in closing the eyelids during sleep. Since a newborn's central nervous system is still developing and growing, these signals may not always fire correctly, and open-eyed sleep may just be a fluke of development.
Genetics could also be a factor. About 13% of adult cases of nocturnal lagophthalmos occur in people with a family member who also has the condition. So, if you or your partner sleep with your eyes open, your baby may be more likely to do the same. If your baby sleeps with their eyes open, it could be hereditary.
It is important to note that in most cases, a baby sleeping with their eyes open is not a cause for concern and is a fairly common condition affecting up to 20% of people. However, dryness, redness, or irritation of the eyes can occur due to the Newborns generally sleep for 12 to 17 hours every day. They are extremely active during sleep, moving around, making noises, and sometimes even opening their eyes. This phenomenon is called nocturnal lagophthalmos, and it affects up to 20% of people. In babies, it is called physiological lagophthalmos, and it is not considered harmful.
There are several possible explanations for why newborns open their eyes while sleeping. One theory suggests that it is related to their rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. During REM sleep, the eyes make rapid movements in all directions, but the visual signals are not sent to the brain. Newborns spend a significant amount of time in REM sleep, and their nervous system is still developing, which may result in their eyelids remaining slightly open.
Another factor that could contribute to newborns opening their eyes during sleep is genetics. About 13% of adult cases of nocturnal lagophthalmos occur in individuals who have a family member with the condition. Therefore, if one or both parents tend to sleep with their eyes open, their baby may be more likely to exhibit the same behaviour.
It is worth noting that while sleeping with eyes open is generally not a cause for concern, it is important to monitor the baby's eye health. In some cases, dryness, irritation, or redness of the eyes may occur due to the lack of blinking during sleep. If these issues arise, consulting a paediatrician is recommended. Additionally, if a baby continues to sleep with their eyes open beyond toddlerhood, it may be advisable to seek medical advice to ensure it is not interfering with their eye health.
In summary, while the exact reasons for newborns opening their eyes while sleeping are not fully understood, it could be attributed to a combination of factors, including the amount of REM sleep they experience, the development of their nervous system, and genetic influences. Most importantly, this behaviour is typically considered harmless and is often outgrown as the baby's sleep patterns regulate over time.
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It's called nocturnal lagophthalmos
If you've ever seen a sleeping newborn with their eyes open, you may have been surprised or even a little unnerved. This phenomenon is called nocturnal lagophthalmos. While it may seem unusual, nocturnal lagophthalmos is a common occurrence in newborns and is usually nothing to worry about.
Nocturnal lagophthalmos in newborns is typically physiological, meaning there is no underlying medical cause. In fact, research suggests that up to 13% of people have a family history of nocturnal lagophthalmos, so genetics may play a role. If you or your partner sleep with your eyes open, your baby may be more likely to do the same. Additionally, newborns spend more than half of their sleeping time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, during which the eyes move and muscles twitch, which can lead to snoozing with eyes open.
The central nervous system of a baby is still developing, and the signals that close the eyelids during sleep may not always fire correctly. As babies grow, their sleep patterns begin to regulate, and by the time they are 6 months old, they spend less time in REM sleep and cycle through sleep stages more predictably. You may notice your baby dozing with open eyes less often, until they stop altogether.
While nocturnal lagophthalmos in newborns is typically benign, it's important to monitor your baby's eye health. If your baby sleeps with their eyes open for many hours at a time, or if their eyes appear dry or irritated, consult a pediatrician. In rare cases, a malformation of the eyelids may prevent them from closing normally and require surgical correction.
In most cases, nocturnal lagophthalmos in newborns is a temporary and harmless condition. Understanding the underlying causes and patterns can help you better comprehend your infant's sleep habits and provide them with a supportive and nurturing sleep environment.
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It's usually harmless
Newborns generally sleep 12 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period and do not know the difference between day and night. They sleep in short bursts, known as sleep cycles, which are usually around 20 to 50 minutes long. Newborns are also very active in their sleep, moving around, making noises, and sometimes even opening their eyes.
This phenomenon is called nocturnal lagophthalmos, and it affects up to 20% of people. In babies, it is called physiological lagophthalmos, and it is not considered harmful. It is simply the body's way of reacting as it grows, and there are no medical causes, symptoms, or side effects. In fact, it is believed that babies spend more than half of their sleeping time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and the eye movements are natural aspects of this sleep cycle. During REM sleep, the eyes move and muscles twitch, and because a baby's central nervous system is still developing, the signals to close the eyelids may not always fire correctly.
While it is not considered rare, only a minority of infants experience physiological lagophthalmos. Many medical professionals believe it has to do with their REM sleep. When we sleep, we enter REM sleep, where our eyes make rapid movements in all directions, yet our eyes don't send visual signals to the brain. Babies spend a lot more time in REM sleep than adults, and as their minds keep growing and their nervous system develops, some experts believe this physiological growth keeps the eyelids slightly open.
It is important to note that while this condition is usually harmless, it can lead to dry, puffy, or red eyes. If you notice any redness, dryness, or irritation, you should consult your pediatrician for help. Additionally, if your baby sleeps with their eyes open for many hours at a time, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is quite normal for newborns to sleep with their eyes open. This phenomenon is called nocturnal lagophthalmos, and it is estimated to affect up to 20% of people.
There is no clear answer to why newborns sleep with their eyes open. However, some experts believe it is related to their Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. Newborns spend more time in REM sleep than adults, and their nervous system is still developing, which may result in their eyelids remaining slightly open.
If you are concerned about your newborn sleeping with their eyes open, you can gently close their eyelids once they are fully asleep. However, in most cases, this is not something to worry about and is a normal part of their development.
Newborns tend to spend less time in REM sleep as they get older, and by the time they are 6 months old, their sleep patterns start to regulate. So, you will likely notice your newborn sleeping with their eyes open less often from this age onwards.
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