In a study on babies
and dreaming, it was learned that babies spend about 66% or their
sleeping time in
the REM state. That is quite a bit of dreaming, considering
that the average adult spends 15-20% of their sleep time in the
dreaming stage. Dream
researchers believe that there is a correlation between REM
sleep and brain development. Moreover, premature
babies
spend up to
80% of their sleep in the REM state. As babies
become more immature,
their REM sleep decreases. Dropping to 50%
in the full term baby and down to 35% in a one year
old. This finding is believed that REM sleep is
important in the mental development of the baby.
Dreaming may be seen as a way of "exercising" the
mind and stimulating it. As they get older, they will be
able get mental stimulation from their surroundings and outside environment.
As we get older and older, our REM sleep will reduce down to
15%.
Babies And
Dreams
