Objective　To explore the effect of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on the development of brain function in premature infants. Methods　A total of 110 premature infants of gestation age of 32-36 weeks were monitored by NicoletOne neonatal cerebral function monitor within 72 hours after birth during January 2015 to February 2016. There were 50 small for gestational age infants (SGA) and 60 appropriate for gestational age infants (AGA). They were continuously monitored for 4-6 hours every time, and the indices of aEEG continuity, sleep wake cycle (SWC), inter-burst interval (IBI), minimum and maximum voltage were compared between two groups. Results　The frequency of aEEG continuity, the rate of SWC, and the maximum and minimum voltage in SGA group were all lower than those in AGA group, while the IBI was longer than that in AGA group, and there were significant differences (P<0.05). The frequency of aEEG continuity, the rate of SWC, IBI, and the minimum and maximum voltage were similar (all P> 0.05) among birth weight