ITS-SIDS New news

Breaking news! Researchers get closer to understanding the cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

(2010) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome(SIDS) has puzzled doctors and families for years. While we know that proper sleep positioning can reduce the risk for SIDS, the underlying cause has remained a mystery. New research now suggests that there may be a biological component to SIDS. An article published in the February 3rd issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), compared brainstems of babies who died of SIDS with those of babies who died of other, known causes. The researchers believe that a low serotonin level impairs the function of the brainstem circuits that regulate these activities, putting a baby at risk for sudden death from stresses such as rebreathing carbon dioxide when sleeping in the face down position.(Read the article.)

Although this study gives us much hope for the future, it also shows that other risk factors, such as sleeping on one’s stomach, still increase the risk. The North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation, Back to Sleep Campaign, has lead the way in educating parents about infant safe sleep positioning, resulting in a reduction of SIDS rates in our state.

While this new research is exciting, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to further educate North Carolinians about the risks. Since medical professionals are not yet able to identify which babies have low serotonin levels, our education efforts must continue and parents should make sure all babies are protected. Go to to learn more about how to create a safe sleep space for baby and reduce the risk of SIDS.

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Last updated: February 2010