The influence of Sleep Promotion on the development of the newborn pre-term: A narrative review

• Main Authors: Maria Antónia Chora, Catarina Azougado
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade de Évora 2015-12-01
• Series: RIASE
• Subjects: Newborn; sleep; neonatology; development
• Online Access: http://www.revistas.uevora.pt/index.php/saude_envelhecimento/article/view/77/134

The environment in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, although fundamental for the survival of the premature newborn presents sophisticated technology which assures life to the newborn, however, it provides a considerably different space from that of the mother’s womb. The newborn is exposed to an excessive and diverse stimuli which may influence, in a negative way, the sleeping pattern and the adequate development of his/her central nervous system and his/her capabilities for life. Objective: to reflect on the providing of care that interferes on sleep and on the development of the newborn. Methods: Narrative revision that resulted from the remote control access to the database electronic platform EBSCO and to the Scielo database. Results: The neonatal intensive care units are destined to receive newborn babies who need special care, being essentially premature who seem to have less ability to deal with environmental stimuli. Conclusions: The premature newborn show the risk of suffering from disturbances in his/her development with repercussions for his/her future life. Nurses assume a crucial role in the provision of safe care, with adequate knowledge for the protection of sleeping patterns and the development of the newborn.