HormonesMelatonin

Regular kangaroo care improves sleep-wake cycle regulation and physiological stability in premature infants

In a randomized controlled trial of 36 premature infants, regular kangaroo care (KC) for three consecutive days (twice daily, 60 minutes per session) significantly improved Bispectral Index (BIS) values, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature compared to control. No significant effects were observed on infant body weight or maternal breast milk cortisol and melatonin levels.

Last updated: Aug 21, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Impact of kangaroo care on circadian rhythm, growth, physiological stability in premature infants, and cortisol and melatonin levels in maternal breast milk: A randomized controlled trial.

observational

Ertürk F, Küçükoğlu S · Midwifery (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 3 days
Intervention: Kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact) for 60 minutes twice daily (10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.) for three consecutive days
Outcome: Sleep-wake cycle (BIS values), heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, body weight, maternal breast milk cortisol and melatonin levels
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Premature infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Türkiye

Result:

PubMed: 42574938DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2026.104926

Mechanism Graph

Kangaroo care provides skin-to-skin contact, promoting maternal-infant bonding and thermal regulation.
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This contact may stabilize autonomic nervous system activity, reducing physiological stress.
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Improved autonomic stability leads to more organized sleep-wake cycles and better physiological parameters.
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Result: Enhanced sleep-wake regulation and physiological stability in premature infants.

Limitations

  • ⚠Small sample size (36 infants) may limit generalizability.
  • ⚠Short intervention duration (3 days) may not capture long-term effects.
  • ⚠Single-blind design may introduce bias in outcome assessment.
  • ⚠No significant changes in breast milk cortisol/melatonin, suggesting KC may not influence these hormonal pathways within the study period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is kangaroo care?▼

Kangaroo care is a method of caring for premature infants involving skin-to-skin contact with the parent, typically on the chest, to promote physiological stability and bonding.

How does kangaroo care affect sleep in premature infants?▼

This study found that regular kangaroo care significantly improved sleep-wake cycle regulation, as measured by Bispectral Index (BIS) values, in premature infants.

Does kangaroo care affect maternal breast milk hormones?▼

In this study, no significant changes were observed in cortisol or melatonin levels in maternal breast milk after three days of kangaroo care.

What physiological parameters are improved by kangaroo care?▼

The study reported significant improvements in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature in premature infants receiving kangaroo care.

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References

  1. 1.Ertürk F, Küçükoğlu S. "Impact of kangaroo care on circadian rhythm, growth, physiological stability in premature infants, and cortisol and melatonin levels in maternal breast milk: A randomized controlled trial.." Midwifery, 2026. PMID: 42574938 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2026.104926
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.