A new study reveals the number of babies who die from sudden infant death syndrome surges on New Year's Day. UCSD researchers suggest there's a link between SIDS deaths and drinking alcohol.
The study examined more than 129,000 SIDS cases over 33 years. Researchers found there was a 33 percent jump in SIDS deaths on New Year's Day.
UCSD sociologist David Phillips said there's also a 36 percent increase in alcohol consumption on that holiday.
"These spikes for both alcohol and SIDS are way off the charts," Phillips pointed out."There's no other day of the year which shows such extreme spikes, either for SIDS or alcohol."
Phillips says one can't draw a firm conclusion from his study. But he says it appears that alcohol is a risk factor for SIDS. Exactly how it comes into play with SIDS deaths in unknown.
In any case, Phillips suggested SIDS investigators should ask about any recent drinking of the baby's caretakers.
