Consequences of Getting the Head Covered During Sleep in Infancy

Abstract

Objective. To study the consequences of getting the head covered by bedding (fiber quilt) on carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation around the face, behavior, and physiologic responses during prone and supine sleep in infants to add understanding to why victims of sudden infant death syndrome are often found under the bedding. Methodology. Of 33 healthy term, usually nonprone sleeping infants, behavior and computerized polysomnography were successfully recorded for 30 during prone and supine sleep at 2½ months and for 23 prone and 25 supine at 5 months. Results. For both ages and body positions, covering the head resulted in significant CO2 accumulation around the face, fewer apneas (3 to 10 seconds), shorter duration of apneas after sighs, higher heart and respiratory rates, and peripheral skin temperature. Differences were generally greater at 2½ than at 5 months. While covered, the prone position was associated with higher CO2 levels close to the face, slightly higher transcutaneous Pco2, and higher heart rates and peripheral skin temperatures than the supine position. In the supine position 23% were able to remove the cover from the head at 2½ and 60% at 5 months, whereas only 1 infant of 5 months managed to remove the cover when prone. Conclusions. The observed responses are consistent with a potential for distress when the head is covered, particularly when placed prone. Probably most important with respect to sudden infant death syndrome is the infants' inability to remove the bedding from the head upon awakening from prone sleep.