The effects of cycled versus noncycled lighting on growth and development in preterm infants

Abstract

Little is known about the effects of ambient lighting on infant growth and development. Although some studies suggest that cycled lighting is beneficial to infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), research has been needed to examine the long-term effects of lighting on infants as well as the impact of lighting on NICU staff behavior. In this study, 41 preterm infants in structurally identical critical care units were provided either cycled or noncycled lighting during a lengthy hospital stay. The study examined the relationship of lighting, in conjunction with infant birth status (birth weight, gestational age, 5-min Apgar), to multiple aspects of infant development, and staff behavior. Compared to infants in the noncycled lighting condition, infants assigned to the cycled lighting condition had a greater rate of weight gain, were able to be fed orally sooner, spent fewer days on the ventilator and on phototherapy, and displayed enhanced motor coordination. Thus, infants who were exposed to diurnally cycled lighting while in intensive care experienced both physical and behavioral developmental benefits. Findings emphasize the critical effects that the newborn ICU environment can have on the development of premature infants.