Care of preterm newborns sleep in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract Introduction: Sleep plays an important role in brain development and synaptic plasticity and has implications for neurodevelopment. Assessment of NB’s behavioral states (sleeping and awake) is the first step to protecting sleep in premature babies and optimizing the neurodevelopment process. Objective: The aim of this research study is to analyze the implementation of a set of measures relating to the sleep of premature newborns in the neonatal special care unit (NSCU) and its influence on the length of stay. Methods: This is an exploratory descriptive study carried out in a Portuguese NSCU. We describe the different standardized care strategies implemented, in response to the demands of Joint Commission International in patient care and also to the concerns of health professionals in this area. Results: Applying care and strategies to improve sleep quality in the studied timeframe, we did not find significant differences in the profile of hospitalized patients, and this procedure did not lead to an increase in the length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Professionals have a vital role in implementing strategies that promote sleep in premature babies in the NICU and in interventions that have a positive effect on the quality of sleep of these newborns. It is necessary to include and train parents in the effort to promote sleep development in the NSCU so that they maintain these interventions after hospital discharge.