Have you ever watched your newborn sleep and wondered if they’re dreaming? You might notice their tiny facial expressions—smiling, frowning, or even twitching—and wonder if they’re having good or bad dreams. It’s a question that crosses the mind of most new parents: Do newborns have bad dreams?
Sleep is essential for a newborn’s growth and development, and understanding what happens during those early sleep cycles can help parents feel more at ease. While adults often experience vivid and complex dreams, newborns’ sleep patterns are very different—and that difference raises fascinating questions about whether babies can truly experience bad dreams.
Let’s explore the science behind newborn sleep and what researchers say about the possibility of nightmares in newborns.
1. Understanding Newborn Sleep Cycles
Newborn sleep is very different from adult sleep. While adults cycle between REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep about every 90 minutes, newborns’ sleep cycles are much shorter—around 50 to 60 minutes. More importantly, newborns spend about 50% of their sleep in REM—far more than adults, who only spend about 20–25% of their sleep in REM.
REM sleep is the stage where most dreaming occurs in adults, which naturally leads to the question: If newborns spend so much time in REM sleep, are they dreaming?
Interestingly, newborn sleep patterns begin developing in the womb. By around 28 weeks of gestation, fetuses start experiencing REM sleep, suggesting that some form of dream activity may begin before birth. However, since newborns’ brains are still developing, the content and nature of these dreams (if they occur) are likely to be very different from adult dreams.
2. What Science Says About Dreams in Newborns
Scientific research into newborn sleep provides some clues about the possibility of dreaming. Studies have shown that brain activity during REM sleep in newborns resembles the brainwave patterns seen in adults during dreaming. This suggests that some form of mental activity is happening—but is it dreaming as we know it?
According to Dr. Charles P. Pollack, a sleep specialist, newborns’ brain activity during REM sleep is more focused on processing sensations rather than forming complex memories or narratives. Newborns’ dreams (if they occur) are likely rooted in basic sensory experiences—like the feel of their parent’s touch, the sound of a heartbeat, or the taste of milk.
Dr. David Foulkes, a leading dream researcher, also emphasizes that newborns lack the cognitive ability to form the complex, emotionally driven dreams that adults experience. Their sleep-related brain activity is more about building neural pathways and processing external stimuli rather than creating coherent dream-like stories.
3. Could Newborns Experience Bad Dreams?
If newborns lack the cognitive and emotional capacity to form complex dreams, does that mean they can’t have bad dreams or nightmares?
Nightmares vs. Night Terrors
To answer that, it’s important to understand the difference between nightmares and night terrors:
- Nightmares occur during REM sleep and are often linked to emotional processing and memory.
- Night Terrors occur during non-REM sleep and are more of a sudden physical response without a coherent emotional narrative.
Since newborns have underdeveloped emotional and memory-processing centers, they are unlikely to have nightmares in the way adults or older children do. However, they may experience discomfort or distress during sleep that resembles a bad dream.
What Might Cause Sleep Distress in Newborns?
- Physical Discomfort – Gas, hunger, a wet diaper, or being too hot or cold can disrupt sleep.
- Sensory Overload – After a busy day of meeting new people and experiencing new sensations, a newborn’s brain may struggle to settle down.
- Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex) – This involuntary reflex can cause sudden movements and wake a baby from sleep.
So, while newborns may not experience nightmares in the emotional sense, they can certainly have restless or uncomfortable sleep due to physical sensations or sensory processing.
4. How to Soothe a Fussy Sleeper
If your newborn seems restless or fussy during sleep, there are steps you can take to create a calmer sleep environment:
- Swaddle Your Baby – Wrapping your baby snugly in a swaddle can recreate the secure feeling of the womb.
- Use White Noise – Soft background sounds like a fan or a white noise machine can mimic the soothing sounds babies hear in the womb.
- Maintain a Consistent Sleep Routine – A regular bedtime routine helps your baby’s brain learn when it’s time to sleep.
- Limit Stimulation Before Bed – Avoid bright lights, loud noises, and excessive handling before bedtime.
- Respond Calmly to Fussiness – If your baby wakes up crying, try comforting them with soft singing or gentle rocking rather than picking them up immediately.
Small adjustments to your baby’s sleep environment can help reduce sleep disturbances and improve sleep quality.
5. Keeping the Environment Calm and Clean
A clean and clutter-free environment can also improve a newborn’s sleep quality. Dust, allergens, and general messiness can disrupt sleep and contribute to restlessness. Creating a calm sleep space with fresh air and minimal distractions helps babies feel more secure.
The owner of an expert cleaning service in Burlington states,
“A clean and organized nursery reduces stress for both parents and babies. When the home is clean, babies are less likely to be disturbed by allergens and irritants, which helps them sleep more soundly.”
This highlights the importance of creating a peaceful and hygienic space where babies can sleep undisturbed. Hiring a professional cleaning service can help parents focus more on their newborn’s needs without worrying about household chores.
6. Conclusion
So, do newborns have bad dreams? The scientific consensus suggests that while newborns likely experience mental activity during REM sleep, they lack the emotional and cognitive development required for complex nightmares. What may seem like a bad dream is more likely the result of physical discomfort, sensory processing, or normal brain development.
Understanding newborn sleep patterns can help parents respond more calmly to nighttime fussiness and create a better sleep environment. A consistent bedtime routine, soothing sleep aids, and a clean, comfortable nursery can make a big difference in improving a newborn’s sleep quality.
While the mystery of newborn dreams remains partially unsolved, one thing is clear: a peaceful sleep environment and a calm parental approach can help ensure that your little one sleeps soundly.
