Effects of Music-Based Interventions on Sleep Patterns and Physiological Responses in Premature Newborns: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Overview

Sleep in the neonatal period is a fundamental biological requirement for regulating growth, neurodevelopment, and the immune system. However, disruptions in sleep patterns during this period are common among both term and preterm infants. Preterm infants have a more fragile sleep structure due to incomplete neurological maturation, while term infants may also experience sleep difficulties during the postnatal adaptation process. Improving sleep onset and sleep quality in newborns is crucial for the well-being and quality of life of both the infant and the family.

Music therapy-particularly lullabies-has been a traditional approach used for centuries to help infants fall asleep. It is believed that music and lullabies promote relaxation by regulating respiration and heart rate in infants, reducing stress responses, and thereby enhancing sleep quality. In recent years, there has been growing interest in music-based interventions in neonatal intensive care units, as these methods offer non-invasive, easily applicable, and cost-effective alternatives. However, research findings on the effects of music therapy and lullabies on neonatal sleep are varied. Due to the physiological and behavioral differences in preterm infants, their responses to music-based interventions may differ from those of term infants. Therefore, comprehensive evaluations of studies involving both preterm and term neonates are crucial for synthesizing current evidence and guiding healthcare professionals. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effects of lullaby and music therapy interventions on sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep onset latency in both preterm and term neonates, and to provide an up-to-date summary of the existing literature.

Conditions