THE EFFECTS OF THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT ENVIRONMENT ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS RESPONSE IN PRETERM INFANTS AND STRATEGIES FOR NEUROPROTECTIVE CARE

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a complex environment filled with stressors that can impact the physiological and psychological development of preterm infants. Exposure to noise, bright lights, frequent medical interventions, and separation from parents contribute to heightened stress responses, potentially affecting long-term neurodevelopment. This paper explores the impact of the NICU environment on stress responses in preterm infants, reviews key literature, and outlines strategies for neuroprotective care to mitigate these effects. Evidence suggests that interventions such as kangaroo care, music therapy, and individualized developmental care can significantly reduce stress and improve outcomes.