Understanding SIDS: Prevention Tips And Why Rates Are Higher In The U.S.

How Does SIDS Occur?

Although much research has been done in the last forty years to figure out how and why SIDS occurs, researchers still do not have a definite answer for the cause. Experts believe SIDS occurs when an infant has an underlying vulnerability, such as abnormal or immature breathing, arousal, or functioning of the heart. Other causes include exposure to different types of stressors during crucial stages of development, such as being placed tummy-down or overheating due to being overdressed while sleeping.

Recent studies have also highlighted that inadequate levels of serotonin, the brain hormone, can also cause an infant to become more vulnerable to developing SIDS, as seventy percent of these fatalities had lower levels of serotonin in the brainstem. Serotonin is critical to a baby’s development as it helps regulate breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure during periods of rest.