Introduction: Sleep is a fundamental human need, and in infants, sleep patterns differ from those in the adult population. During sleep, important hormones such as melatonin, growth hormones, dehydroepiandrosterone, and sex hormones are secreted. Sleep is crucial for brain development. In newborns treated in intensive care units, the need for sleep can be neglected due to treatment requirements. Purpose: To highlight the importance of sleep for newborns. Methods: A descriptive method was used, reviewing literature written in Slovenian or English. Literature was searched using databases such as CINAHL, Pubmed, Medline, and Science Direct from April to May 2023. Results: The literature review revealed that sleep significantly impacts newborns. Reviewed studies demonstrate the significant impact of kangaroo mother care, Yankson's touch, and gentle human touch on sleep. It would be beneficial to reduce the number of interactions during the newborn's active sleep phase. Sleep should be studied in intensive care units as a basis for providing neuroprotective care. Nurses can contribute to better sleep for patients by managing the environment, using relaxation techniques, and therapeutic positioning. Discussion and conclusion: The literature review indicates that sleep has a significant impact on newborns. Measuring sleep using observational scales, EEGs, and other methods could raise awareness about the importance of sleep for the health of newborns in intensive care units. The likelihood of hypopnea occurring after manipulation is significantly higher in infants during active sleep compared to other states. Various studies find a connection between neurological issues and sleep. Promoting and protecting sleep is essential for implementing neuroprotective care in intensive care units.
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