The Effect of Incubator Covers on the Sleep-wake Cycles of Newborn Babies: A Randomized Controlled Study

This study investigated the effect of incubator covers on sleep-wakefulness in premature infants.The study was conducted using a randomised controlled experimental design. The study population consisted of premature in the 30-37 gestational week range who were admitted to the NICU of a hospital located in the Central Anatolia Region. The sample comprised 64 premature infants, who were divided into an incubator cover group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 32). Data were collected using a neonatal follow-up form and actigraphy. The incubator cover group received a 24-hour covers application. The control group received routine nursing care without any additional interventions. Pre-test and post-test assessments were conducted in both groups, and the 24-hour sleep patterns of the newborns were evaluated using actigraphy.