The Effects of Sensory Intervention or Education on Sleep and/or Weight Gain for Premature Infants in the Hospital: A Rapid Systematic Review

Abstract

Premature babies may require special care in the hospital to ensure proper development. Examining the relationship between sensory stimuli implementation and sleep and/or weight gain may expand the understanding of how occupational therapists can provide practical interventions. This study was conducted as a rapid systematic review (RSR) using Covidence (Covidence, 2024). 1,375 articles were uploaded to screen in Covidence. Of those articles, 83 were examined during the full-text review. This resulted in 28 articles included within the RSR from the initial search. This study is directed towards sensory interventions and education that increase weight and/or sleep in preterm infants in the hospital. Our findings suggested that varying types of sensory interventions implemented by hospital staff or by parents who were educated on sensory interventions may positively impact the infant’s sleep and/or weight gain. These include but are not limited to, light-dark cycles, positioning, massage, multisensory, oral, auditory, and kangaroo care approaches. Hospitalized infants born < 37 weeks experience extrinsic factors (i.e., visual and auditory stimuli) that can harm their development. Varying types of sensory interventions may positively impact their sleep and weight gain. However, further research should be conducted to address the limitations present throughout the studies.