Question
Soon after birth, newborns may exhibit a yellowish appearance and difficulty waking up due to drowsiness. Is this related to jaundice? Does jaundice affect a newborn’s sleep?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice is a common clinical condition caused by an abnormal metabolism of bilirubin, leading to an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood, which in turn causes yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. This condition can be categorized into physiological and pathological types. Physiological jaundice usually does not require special treatment and does not affect sleep. However, pathological jaundice requires blue light therapy, and if not properly treated, may lead to kernicterus, affecting neurological function. Therefore, if a newborn shows jaundice accompanied by sleep problems, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the type of jaundice and receive appropriate treatment.