Recorded sessions on demand will be available 24 hours after the session ends

Abstract Body

It is now established that neurodevelopmental disorders have their roots in early life stress and brain injury. Sleep represents the predominant behavioural state during neonatal age and undergoes remarkable changes from intrauterine life to adulthood, which are correlated with stages of Central Nervous System maturation. There is evidence in literature that poor quality of neonatal sleep (less total sleep time, frequent awakenings, alterations in spectral values) is associated with negative cognitive and language outcomes, as well as with less concentration in infancy and early toddlerhood. Data has mainly been drawn from studies conducted in premature neonates and causes of sleep disorders are usually due to factors associated with prematurity itself (delayed maturation, impaired neuronal connectivity) or due to co-morbidities (infection, ischaemia); differences between neonates with appropriate for age weight and neonates with intrauterine growth restriction have also been identified.

In terms of therapeutic interventions, skin-to-skin contact, earmuffs, cycled lighting and nesting-swaddling have been found to increase total sleep time and promote sleep organisation. In parallel, the innovative approach of sensory stimulation and boosting of slow-wave sleep (in older age groups) has been shown to positively affect declarative memory.

Future research projects are expected to explore ways to modulate parameters and stages of neonatal sleep, through sensor stimulation, in order to promote learning process and improve cognitive outcomes. At the same time, the pathways of learning and memory establishment at neonatal age need to be further investigated and the development of “sleep culture” in Neonatal Intensive Care Units to be prioritised.