Simple intervention can help premature babies go home sooner

New WA research has shown simulating night and day with eye masks and ear plugs can help babies born extremely premature develop a circadian rhythm.

The CIRCA DIEM Study, a partnership between The Kids Research Institute Australia and the Child and Adolescent Health Service, monitored more than 800 babies across 11 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand.

Preterm infants were randomised to an intervention group which simulated a day and night cycle with eye masks and ear plugs worn overnight to reduce exposure to light and noise, as pictured above and below.

The masks and ear plugs were removed during the day to simulate daytime.

The babies in the control group received standard care in which light and noise levels remained relatively constant.

The results were promising, with babies who developed a circadian rhythm 23% more likely to be discharged to a step-down unit and 20% more likely to be discharged home at any point during their hospital admission.

Study lead Professor Jane Pillow said the results showed clearly that even extremely premature babies benefit from having a circadian rhythm.

“Our results showed that babies in the intervention group slept longer and more efficiently, grew longer, and were almost two-thirds less likely to develop necrotising enterocolitis, a terrible and severe inflammation of the gut lining which can cause sepsis and death in neonates, and have lifelong implications for survivors,” Professor Pillow said.

Professor Jane Pillow said the results of the trial were promising for newborns.

Neonatal intensive care costs the healthcare system thousands of dollars per day, but researchers believe this simple and inexpensive intervention can make a significant difference.

"The masks and ear plugs, which cost just $66 per newborn over an eight-to-twelve-week period, have the potential to support babies’ healthy development while also easing some of the pressures experienced by parents,’ Professor Pillow, who is Head of Developmental Chronobiology at The Kids, said.

“By supporting longer periods of sleep and healthy brain development in premature babies, this approach may give parents more opportunity to rest and recover once the babies are discharged home following what can be a physically and emotionally challenging birth and newborn experience.

“It’s our hope that children who used the masks and ear plugs will have increased school readiness, vision, hearing, sleep, lung function, and overall wellbeing, protecting them against the lifelong health and wellbeing impacts that typically affect people born premature.”

Gus was born at 30 weeks and took part in the CIRCA DIEM study.

Gus’s story

Gus was born prematurely at around 30 weeks. His parents had been involved with research at Perth Children’s Hospital with their oldest son, so when they were approached to take part in the CIRCA DIEM study they didn’t hesitate to say yes.

“We were very happy to get involved again,” said mum Jessica Reidy.

“The study was incredibly easy for us as parents, with nurses taking care of the eye masks and ear plugs, even when Gus transferred to St John of God Midland Hospital.

“We didn't have to do anything extra, which made it a really positive experience.

“When we brought Gus home just before 37 weeks, he was a very settled baby and was sleeping around seven hours overnight. After what had been a lengthy and difficult experience, having a baby who settled and slept so well, made life that little bit easier for our family.

“He's now a very cruisy little boy who loves music, and we're so grateful for the wonderful start he had.”

Jessica encouraged other families to take part in research if they have the opportunity.

“I think it's a wonderful thing, even if all you're getting out of it is a bit of extra sleep when you get home after what can be a lengthy or traumatic experience.”