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Recommendations on neonatal light environment from the French Neonatal Society
Claire Zores-Koenig1,2, Pierre Kuhn1,2, Laurence Caeymaex3
1Médecine et Réanimation du Nouveau-né, Hôpital de Hautepierre, CHU Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
Insights
Hospital lighting impacts infant development and caregiver well-being. Recommendations include limiting light to 1000 lux, gradual changes, and individualized protection for premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Environmental health
- Neurodevelopment
Background:
- Hospital lighting significantly influences neonatal neurosensory development.
- The well-being of parents and caregivers is also affected by the neonatal light environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide practical recommendations for optimizing the light environment in neonatal units.
- To establish guidelines for safe and beneficial light exposure for newborns.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed.
- Relevant studies published in English or French up to July 2018 were evaluated.
- Evidence grades were assessed for identified papers.
Main Results:
- Natural or artificial light intensity should not exceed 1000 lux.
- Light level changes must be gradual; continuous high light is detrimental.
- Infants <32 weeks postmenstrual age require individualized light protection; cycled light may be beneficial before discharge.
Conclusions:
- Implementing evidence-based lighting principles can enhance the neonatal environment.
- Optimizing light benefits newborns, parents, and caregivers.
- Careful management of light exposure is crucial for neonatal patient care and well-being.
Aim:
Hospital light may affect neonatal neurosensory development and the well-being of parents and caregivers. We aimed to issue practical recommendations regarding the optimal light environment for neonatal units.
Methods:
A systematic evaluation was performed using PubMed to identify relevant papers published in English or French up to July 2018, and the different grades of evidence were evaluated.
Results:
We identified 89 studies and one meta-analysis and examined 31 eligible studies. The major results were that natural or artificial light should not exceed 1000 lux and that all changes in light level should be gradual. Light protection should be used for infants of <32 weeks of postmenstrual age and but must be individualised to each infant. Infants should not be exposed to continuous high light levels regardless of their term and postnatal age. Cycled light before discharge seemed to be safe and beneficial. For medical caregivers' well-being, higher light levels and access to natural light are recommended. Special attention should be given to protecting neonatal patients from high light levels that may be necessary when performing specific care procedures.
Conclusion:
Consideration of general principles and practical applications can improve the neonatal light environment for newborn infants, parents and caregivers.
