It is highly unlikely that newborns experience dreaming as we understand it.
Understanding Infant Sleep and Dreaming
While the popular image of a sleeping baby conjures up notions of pleasant dreams, the reality is more complex. The question of whether newborns dream involves understanding their sleep patterns and the nature of dreaming itself.
REM Sleep in Infants
- Newborns spend a significant portion of their sleep time in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. This sleep stage is often associated with dreaming in adults.
- However, in newborns, REM sleep may have different functions than in older individuals. It's believed to be important for brain development.
The Development of Dreaming
- According to research, dreaming, as we know it, likely doesn't occur in babies.
- Dreaming capacity evolves: Dreams, as they are recalled and understood, develop over time.
- David Foulkes’ research indicates that children typically begin recalling dreams during REM sleep around the age of three.
Why Newborns Likely Don't Dream Like Adults
The ability to dream involves complex cognitive functions that are still developing in newborns:
- Lack of Vivid Experiences: Newborns have limited experiences to draw upon for the visual and narrative content of dreams.
- Immature Cognitive Abilities: The cognitive structures needed for complex dreaming, like narrative and emotional processing, are not yet fully formed.
- Different Purpose of REM: In newborns, REM sleep may play a critical role in brain maturation rather than the vivid storytelling that adults experience during this stage.
Summary
| Aspect | Newborns | Older Children/Adults |
|---|---|---|
| REM Sleep | High proportion, function unclear | Lower proportion, associated with dreams |
| Dream Recall | Extremely unlikely | Begins around 3 years old |
| Cognitive Development | Immature, limited experience | Mature, with rich personal history |
While babies might be experiencing neural activity during REM sleep, it's not the same as the subjective experience of dreaming. As children grow, their ability to dream evolves along with their cognitive and emotional development.
