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. 2024 Dec 30;184(1):112.
doi: 10.1007/s00431-024-05951-3.

The role of light exposure in infant circadian rhythm establishment: A scoping review perspective

Ee Yin Kok  1 , Satvinder Kaur  2 , Nurul Husna Mohd Shukri  3 , Nurliyana Abdul Razak  1 , Masaki Takahashi  4 , Swee Chai Teoh  5 , Janice Ee Fang Tay  1 , Shigenobu Shibata  6
Affiliations

The role of light exposure in infant circadian rhythm establishment: A scoping review perspective

Ee Yin Kok et al. Eur J Pediatr. .

Abstract

Environmental light exposure plays a role in the entrainment of the infant circadian rhythm, which is crucial for growth and development. This scoping review aims to evaluate existing literature linking the role of light exposure in the development of the infant circadian rhythm. This scoping review is conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search strategy was conducted in a total of six databases (PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Taylor and Francis, and Wiley) as of August 2024. Reviews, narrative studies, observational studies, and experimental studies published from 2012 to 2024 were extracted. These studies discussed the role of light exposure on the development of infant circadian rhythm. A total of 25 studies were retrieved (3 observational studies, 6 experimental studies, and 16 reviews). Evidence showed that cycled lighting is beneficial for the entrainment of the infant circadian rhythm according to the 24-h light-dark cycle. Cycled lighting improved nighttime sleep and daytime wakefulness, promoting optimum growth and development. Limited experimental studies were conducted due to the ethical considerations of infants as study participants. Conclusions: Given the benefits of cycled lighting in the development of the circadian rhythm development, it should be implemented in both healthcare and home settings to promote optimum growth and development of the infant.

Keywords: Circadian rhythm; Environmental light; Infant growth; Neonatal; Scoping review.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram of article identification and selection in scoping review
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Timing, intensity, and outcomes of cycled lighting exposure. This figure is based on the findings of this review which excludes natural light exposure
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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