The role of sleep in neonatal neurocritical care and the influence on long-term outcome

Prematurity, birth complications, and congenital brain abnormalities can lead to neurological conditions that require intensive monitoring and treatment. Ensuring healthy sleep is needed to help infants recover from these conditions and positively influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. Yet, achieving optimal sleep represents a challenge in the complex setting of neonatal neurocritical care. In this narrative review, we examine the role of sleep within the context of neonatal neurocritical care. Specifically, we analyze the underlying physiological mechanisms of sleep and how these processes are altered by the intensive care environment and neurological pathology. We evaluate current evidence regarding the contribution of sleep to neurological recovery and its impact on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Finally, we discuss existing and emerging strategies to monitor and optimize sleep in neonatal neurocritical care settings.