Rest & Regulate: NICU Sleep and Regulation Program

Authors

• Kimberly Rodriguez, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
• Lesley Khan-Farooqi, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
• Victoria Serna, Laredo Medical CenterFollow

Files

Description

Premature infants (bord before 37 weeks of gestation) are exposed to sensory-rich neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environments that may disrupt sleep and self-regulation. Sleep is a critical early occupation that supports neurodevelopment, physiological stability, and overall infant health. This capstone project developed and implemented Rest and Regulate, a sensory-informed occupational therapy (OT) program designed to support sleep and regulation in premature infants through environmental modifications, individualized sensory strategies, and caregiver education. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI), and Dunn's Sensory Processing Framework (DSPF), the program translated evidence-based sensory principles into practical NICU routines. Key components included staff education through a video training series, bedside caregiver guidebooks, and environmental supports targeting noise, lighting, and handling. Post-training feedback indicated increased staff confidence in recognizing infant cues, modifying environmental stimulation, and implementing sensory-informed strategies. Findings suggest that integrating education, environmental awareness, and interdisciplinary collaboration supports improved caregiving practices and promotes infant sleep and regulation in the NICU.

Publication Date

Spring 4-2026

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Premature infants, Neonatal intensive care units, Sleep, Self-regulation, Sensory processing, Occupational therapy, Infant behavior, Caregivers, Environmental modification, Neurodevelopment

Medical Subject Headings

Occupational Therapy, Pediatrics, Neonatology

Disciplines

Medicine and Health | Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Therapy | Other Social and Behavioral Sciences | Public Health Education and Promotion

Comments

Poster presented at the OTD Capstone Symposium held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences April 22, 2026.

Recommended Citation

Rodriguez, K., Khan-Farooqi, L., & Serna, V. (2026, April 1). Rest & Regulate: NICU Sleep and Regulation Program. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2026/45