Table 1 Postnatal circadian rhythm-informed recommendations for practice
Recommendation domain | Example actions |
|---|---|
Light exposure | Evidence suggests that maximising light exposure during the day and minimising light exposure at night facilitates circadian synchronicity of the mother-infant dyad (e.g., spending time outdoors during the day, minimising smartphone use at night) |
Feeding | Feeding can be an important circadian entrainer, including at night. Breast milk may pose additional circadian-related advantages, information which may be useful to parents when making feeding decisions |
Activity | Parent-infant proximity may facilitate healthy newborn circadian entrainment, by exposing infants to activity during the day, and maintaining quiet responsiveness at night |