Abstract

According to the WHO, live infants born before the 37th week of pregnancy from the first day of the last menstrual period are considered premature. Today, progress in medical science, nursing care and improvement of prenatal care (prescribing steroid before delivery, appropriate technology (mechanical ventilation-ventilator)) and improving postnatal care (prescribing surfactant) have led to an increase in the survival of premature babies. This means an increase in the number of babies who need special intervention and support care with the aim of reducing disability and facilitating the growth and development of these infants.

Therefore, most of the premature babies are subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit to continue the treatment process. An environment that not only bears little resemblance to the mother’s womb, but also exposes them to countless sensory stimuli resulting from therapeutic-care measures, including high levels of environmental noise, strong lights, and frequent medical procedures. One of the factors affecting the developmental and cognitive process of these patients is their sleep-wake state.

Keywords:Sleep; Premature infant; Sleep; Awake cycle

Abbreviations:NICU: Neonatal Intensive Care; WHO: World Health Organization