The Sleep Charity run The National Sleep Helpline which is a wonderful free resource that can help parents and children to learn more about their sleep and develop better bedtime routines. Sleep is essential to brain function - by helping children to sleep better, we can help them to succeed in school.

At any given time up to 40% of adults and 50% of children (this rises to 80% with a SEND diagnosis) have difficulties with their sleep. Yet in a recent survey, almost 60% of adults felt there was a lack of support for sleep issues. Sleep problems can leave people feeling isolated and lonely.

How can the National Sleep Helpline help you?

• The free helpline is run by trained sleep advisors, many of whom are specialists in working with SEND. They can talk to young people directly, or parents (they can also talk to adults, including older people, about their sleep issues).
• They can offer you some practical strategies and recommend services that could help
• They will ensure you understand how sleep plays an important part in your child’s mental health and wellbeing
• They will listen without judgement and help you decide what next steps are right for you
• They will empower you with sleep knowledge so you can understand why your child might not be sleeping well and how that can change

The helpline is open 5 times a week, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings 7-9pm, and Wednesday mornings 9-11am. The number is 03303 530 541.