Why do babies laugh in their sleep?

Have you ever heard your little one sweetly giggling in their sleep? Then you rush over and check if they’re awake and finding some cute way to amuse themselves. But often times it’s your baby laughing while asleep! But why do babies laugh in their sleep? Does it have anything to do with the baby sleep cycle? Or could they be dreaming of beautiful things? 

Let’s find out. 

Baby Sleep Cycle: Why Do Babies Laugh in Their Sleep?

Well, firstly, did you know that as adults, we too laugh in our sleep? 

There is no clear-cut reason why babies laugh in their sleep. But there are a few theories as to why your little one is enjoying a giggle or two while sleeping. 

1. It is a natural reflex

Babies do dream and they start as early as in the womb. They continue dreaming as newborns. But they are not necessarily laughing because of a dream. Sometimes, laughing is just a natural reflex during their active sleep.

During this type of sleep, babies might make involuntary movements. Some of these involuntary movements can lead to smiles and laughter while they sleep.

2. They are processing information

Throughout the day, especially in the first few months of life, babies are experiencing a steep learning curve. From learning to open their eyes, to smiling, crying, and figuring out how their bodies work, they are always processing new information.

Add the bright lights and sounds and different sights they are exposed to, and they might be going through sensory overload. But when it is finally time for them to go to sleep, their little brains have the time to process this information. 

One way of doing so is by laughing or crying in their sleep. During these essential few months of development, they are also learning a lot about emotions, which is then translated into either laughter or cries.

Tip: Try not to wake them up when they are laughing in their sleep as it might interrupt their sleep cycle.