Overview
- A study reported in PNAS links sleep deprivation to alterations in myelin, suggesting impaired nerve signaling with reduced concentration and poorer cognitive and motor performance.
- The Italian Society of Neonatology says newborns spend 70–80% of the day asleep, a period crucial for brain maturation, metabolic regulation and stress responses.
- Following safe‑sleep guidance has helped lower Italy’s SIDS rate to about 0.5 per 1,000 live births, though it remains the leading cause of death in the first year, according to pediatric specialists.
- Specialists highlight protecting rest in neonatal intensive care units from disruptive noise and light and recommend at home simple routines, recognizing sleep cues, a calm environment and caregiver presence.
- Public guidance for adults tied to World Sleep Day emphasizes seven to eight hours of sleep, avoiding bright screens before bed, light dinners several hours before sleep, no alcohol after dinner, relaxing herbal teas and a cool, dark bedroom around 16–20°C.