Neonatal sleep patterns: implications for nursing.

The article describes newborn sleep patterns and includes a discussion of factors influencing neonatal sleep. An important nursing role is to teach parents about infant sleep and to reinforce American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations on sleep position. Central nurseries, feeding schedules, and constant lighting affect newborn sleep behavior. Nurses can change policies and create an environment in the hospital that enhances parent-infant synchrony. Nurses also have a role both prenatally and in follow-up settings to educate parents about newborn sleep.