Sleeping with the head under the blanket is healthy
the verdict
REFUTED
the evidence says no
refutedsupported
the weight of evidence
0 sources for · 3 against
Scientific literature indicates that pulling bedcovers over the head creates a hypoxic and hypercapnic environment and increases health risks, thereby refuting the claim that sleeping with the head under the blanket is healthy.
SummaryThe risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is increased in infants sleeping with their head covered by bedding items. This study was designed to evaluate cardiac autonomic nervous controls in infants sleeping with the head covered by bedclothes. Sixteen healthy infants with a median age of 12 weeks (range 9–13 weeks) were recorded polygraphically for one night. While they slept in their usual supine position, a bedsheet was placed over their head for about 45 min. All infants were challenged with the head covered and with the head free during both rapid eye movement (REM) and non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Sleep, breathing and heart rate (HR) characteristics were recorded simultaneously, together with rectal and pericephalic temperatures. In both head‐free and head‐covered conditions, autoregressive spectral analysis of HR was evaluated as a function of sleep stages. During the head‐covered periods, parasympathetic tonus decreased and sympathetic activity increased in both REM and NREM sleep. Compared with the head‐free periods, the head‐covered sleep periods were characterized by greater rectal (P = 0.012) and pericephalic temperatures (P = 0.002). Covering the infant's head with a bedsheet was associated with significant changes in autonomic balance. The finding could be related to an elevation in temperatures within the infant's microenvironment.
To the Editor.— This letter calls attention to the effects of pulling bedcoverings over the head upon retiring, thus creating a mild but potentially dangerous hypoxic and hypercapnic environment. Methods.— The effect on the inspired oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations was studied in five healthy men, 25 to 30 years old. Each volunteer rested quietly though not sleeping, in the left lateral decubitus position on a sheet-covered mattress. The head was covered for ten minutes by one sheet and one standard AUS blanket weighing 3 to 4 lb and then by one sheet and two blankets for an additional ten minutes. All coverings were tucked under the mattress except the headward edge which was laid flat on the top surface. Samples of air from under the covers were obtained at one, five, and ten minutes from a catheter placed adjacent to the mouth of the subject. The subject held his
Remember, every sleep time counts. Make sure the baby's face and head stay uncovered during sleep. Keep blankets and other coverings away from the baby's mouth
Newborn care and safety are activities and precautions recommended for new parents or caregivers. It is an educational goal of many hospitals and birthing centers to promote newborn care and safety as parents take their infant home.
Always place the baby on his or her back to sleep, even for naps. This is the safest sleep position for a healthy baby to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Place the baby on a firm mattress, such as in a safety-approved crib. Research has shown that placing a baby to sleep on soft mattresses, sofas, sofa cushions, waterbeds, sheepskins, or other soft surfaces raises the risk of SIDS.
Remove soft, fluffy, and loose bedding and stuffed toys from the baby's sleep area. Make sure all pillows, quilts, stuffed toys, and other soft items are kept away from the baby's sleep area.
Do not use infant sleep positioners. Using a positioner to hold an infant on his or her back or side for sleep is dangerous and not needed.
Use infant sleep sacks that are designed to be used with zippers, snaps, or velcro for infants to wear during sleep in place of loose bedding and swaddle blankets which pose a greater risk.
Make sure everyone who cares for the baby knows to place the baby on his or her back to sleep and about the dangers of soft bedding. Talk to child care providers, grandparents, babysitters, and all caregivers about SIDS risk. Remember, every sleep time counts.
Make sure the baby's face and head stay uncovered during sleep. Keep blankets and other coverings away from the baby's mouth and nose. The best way to do this is to dress the baby in sleep clothing so they will not have to use any other covering over the baby. If using a blanket or another covering, make sure that the baby's feet are at the bottom of the crib, the blanket is no higher than the baby's chest, and the blanket is tucked in around the bottom of the crib mattress.
Do not allow smoking around the baby. Don't smoke before or after the birth of the baby and make sure no one smokes around the baby.
Don't let the baby get too warm during sleep. Keep the baby warm during sleep, but not too warm. The baby's room should be at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult. Too many layers of clothing or blankets can overheat the baby.
Some parents worry that the baby can roll over during the night. However, by the time the baby is able to roll over by itself, the risk for SIDS is much lower. During the time of greatest…
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