Behavioral-state development and sleep-state differentiation during early ontogenesis

Sleep is a key process in neurodevelopment and essential for the maturation of fundamental brain functions. Premature birth can disturb initial steps sleep maturation, which may contribute to impairment neurodevelopment. It thus understand various states quality cerebral function each vigilance state, as well development cyclicity, at-risk neonatal infants, particularly those born premature. The objective this review provide precise description cycles their rhythmic organization premature term newborns according gestational age. Technical aspects polysomnography, requires high level expertise neonates, are also described. Principles visual interpretation including simultaneous analysis behavioral (spontaneous motricity eye movements), polysomnographic parameters (electro-oculogram, electrocardiogram, respiration), electroencephalography patterns presented. neurophysiology ontogenesis its interaction with discussed, highlighting crucial role duration newborns. In particular, involvement myoclonic twitches functional connectivity sensorimotor discussed. Indeed, quality, determined by combined parameters, reflects either normal or pathological developmental processes during period. place neurophysiological explorations early detection disorders potential consequences on neurodevelopmental care improve prevention impairment.