Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
A Piglet Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Published on: May 16, 2015
Sleeping position and rectal temperature
S A Petersen1, E S Anderson, M Lodemore
1Department of Physiology, University of Leicester.
Insights
Infant sleeping position does not significantly affect body temperature. The prone position, even in warm conditions, is unlikely to cause dangerous overheating in healthy babies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infant Health
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Infant sleeping position is a critical factor in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) research.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential impact of prone sleeping on infant thermoregulation.
- Understanding temperature regulation in infants is vital for safe sleep practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of infant sleeping position on body temperature.
- To determine if prone sleeping is associated with elevated rectal temperatures in infants.
- To assess thermoregulation in infants across different age groups and after immunizations.
Main Methods:
- Continuous monitoring of rectal temperature in 137 infants at home.
- Categorization of infants into three groups: older normal, younger normal, and post-immunization.
- Analysis of temperature data based on sleeping position (prone vs. non-prone).
Main Results:
- Prone sleeping was not linked to higher rectal temperatures in young infants or post-immunization.
- Older infants in the prone position showed slightly faster warming before walking, especially in warm conditions.
- Prone sleepers tended to be born earlier and had lower birth weights, but demonstrated effective thermoregulation.
Conclusions:
- Normal infants effectively thermoregulate regardless of sleeping position, even in warm environments.
- The prone sleeping position may present minor challenges for heat dissipation but is unlikely to cause lethal hyperthermia in healthy infants.
- The prone position might be associated with other risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, warranting further investigation.
Abstract:
The effects of sleeping position upon body temperature were assessed by continuous monitoring of rectal temperature in 137 babies sleeping at home under conditions chosen by their parents. There were three groups of subjects: (1) normal babies aged 12-22 weeks whose temperature rhythms were developed, (2) normal babies aged 6-12 weeks who were developing their night time temperature rhythms, and (3) babies the night after diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus immunisation, whose temperature rhythms were disturbed. Sleeping in the prone position was not associated with higher rectal temperatures at any time of night in young babies, nor did it exaggerate the disturbance of rectal temperature rhythm after immunisation. In older normal babies the prone position did not disturb rectal temperature in the first part of the night, though prone sleepers warmed a little faster prior to walking, especially in warm conditions. Prone sleepers were, however, born earlier in gestation and tended to be of lower birth weight. Normal babies can therefore thermoregulate effectively whatever their sleeping posture, even in warm conditions, though the prone position may make it slightly more difficult to lose heat. It is difficult to see how the prone position, even interacting with warm conditions, could induce lethal hyperthermia in otherwise normal babies. Perhaps the prone position is associated with other risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
01:11Anatomical Positions
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...