Babies look their cutest when they are sound asleep. You can see them all cosy and warm in their crib with not a care in the world and that sweet smile on their sleeping faces can make anybody’s day.
While capturing this adorable smile makes a great addition to the photo book, have you ever wondered why a baby smiles in sleep? Is it related to their sleep cycle or are they dreaming something funny?
Let’s take a closer look at why a baby smiles in sleep and why could be a cause for concern sometimes.
Why A Baby Smiles In Sleep
Image courtesy: iStock
-
Reflex smile
-
Social smile
Image courtesy: File Photo
-
Passing gas
One of the most common reasons for your baby to be smiling during sleep is that they are passing gas.
The notion is not supported by any concrete scientific research. But it’s known that colicky babies tend to remain irritable and fart helps to bring relief to them, and hence the smile.
-
REM Sleep
Image courtesy: iStock
Our body typically goes through two basic types of sleep, rapid- eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep. If you happen to notice your baby laughing or smiling in their sleep, it’s possible that they are in their REM sleep cycle.
This phase usually occurs after about 90 mins of sleep.
Studies reveal that babies mostly experience smiles, grimaces, body twitches, and sucking in this phase of sleep.
As there is no way to know if babies dream and what they dream about it may be a safe assumption that their smiling is typically a reflex action and is most likely involuntary.
However, in the event where your baby might be dreaming, then the smile can be a reaction to a memory that occurred during the day.
Can Baby Smiles In Sleep Be Dangerous?
Catching a baby’s smile is a sheer pleasure to watch. But there are some rare occasions when this smile can be a sign of something more serious at hand.
Gelastic seizures
It is an extremely rare form of epilepsy, making up for about one per cent of all epileptic cases. It is accompanied by uncontrollable fits of laughter.
In some cases, the laughter may be combined with the face contorting into a smile. It can also feature flashing and altered breathing.
Even though it is rare, if you are concerned that your baby is experiencing this kind of seizure, it is very important to seek immediate medical attention.
Having said that baby smiles in sleep are a completely natural reaction and an expected part of their development. There is no need to take undue stress.
If you notice them smiling more often, it’s likely nothing but a reflex action or them replaying a happy memory from the day. If your baby is healthy, there is completely no reason to worry.
ALSO READ:
Having Trouble Making Your Baby Smile? Here Are Some Sure-fire Tips!
Your Baby’s Smile: What Can It Tell You About His Development?