{"title":"Polyvagal Theory and Neonatal Sleep: A Review of Autonomic Regulation and Implications for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome","authors":"Sevgi Beyazgül, Shahla Shafaati Laleh","doi":"10.1002/jdn.70050","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div>\n \n \n <section>\n \n <h3> Background</h3>\n \n <p>Neonatal sleep is critical for brain maturation and autonomic nervous system regulation. Disruptions in sleep patterns and vagal tone may contribute to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).</p>\n </section>\n \n <section>\n \n <h3> Methods</h3>\n \n <p>This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the relationship between neonatal sleep states, autonomic nervous system maturation and polyvagal theory.</p>\n </section>\n \n <section>\n \n <h3> Results</h3>\n \n <p>Studies suggest that vagal activity modulates neonatal sleep states, with implications for both emotional and physiological development. Premature infants may display immature vagal pathways, increasing their vulnerability to sleep-related disorders and SIDS.</p>\n </section>\n \n <section>\n \n <h3> Conclusion</h3>\n \n <p>The polyvagal framework offers a useful lens for understanding neonatal sleep regulation and guiding strategies for SIDS prevention and healthy neonatal care. Further research is warranted.</p>\n </section>\n </div>","PeriodicalId":13914,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience","volume":"85 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6000,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jdn.70050","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Neonatal sleep is critical for brain maturation and autonomic nervous system regulation. Disruptions in sleep patterns and vagal tone may contribute to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Methods
This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the relationship between neonatal sleep states, autonomic nervous system maturation and polyvagal theory.
Results
Studies suggest that vagal activity modulates neonatal sleep states, with implications for both emotional and physiological development. Premature infants may display immature vagal pathways, increasing their vulnerability to sleep-related disorders and SIDS.
Conclusion
The polyvagal framework offers a useful lens for understanding neonatal sleep regulation and guiding strategies for SIDS prevention and healthy neonatal care. Further research is warranted.
期刊介绍:
International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience publishes original research articles and critical review papers on all fundamental and clinical aspects of nervous system development, renewal and regeneration, as well as on the effects of genetic and environmental perturbations of brain development and homeostasis leading to neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological conditions. Studies describing the involvement of stem cells in nervous system maintenance and disease (including brain tumours), stem cell-based approaches for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases, roles of neuroinflammation in development and disease, and neuroevolution are also encouraged. Investigations using molecular, cellular, physiological, genetic and epigenetic approaches in model systems ranging from simple invertebrates to human iPSC-based 2D and 3D models are encouraged, as are studies using experimental models that provide behavioural or evolutionary insights. The journal also publishes Special Issues dealing with topics at the cutting edge of research edited by Guest Editors appointed by the Editor in Chief. A major aim of the journal is to facilitate the transfer of fundamental studies of nervous system development, maintenance, and disease to clinical applications. The journal thus intends to disseminate valuable information for both biologists and physicians. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience is owned and supported by The International Society for Developmental Neuroscience (ISDN), an organization of scientists interested in advancing developmental neuroscience research in the broadest sense.