Sleep Tight - 3 week course (SPACE)

Join us for a 3week course exploring the interface of neurodiversity and sleep before exploring practical strategies to support better sleep.

Evidence Base: Many children with Autism/ADHD suffer from disturbed sleep patterns – they find it hard to relax and go to sleep, as well as stay asleep. Sleep deprivation has huge consequences for the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of the whole family. Children and young people who are suffering from lack of sleep can become hyperactive and exhibit challenging behaviour. They have trouble concentrating, which impacts on their ability to learn. Parents are often exhausted, having suffered sleep deprivation for years. This has a huge impact on physical and mental health. Relationships and the ability to function in the workplace also suffer.

Accreditation: SPACE is accredited to deliver the Sleep Charity’s ‘Sleep Tight’ course. Herts ADHD nurses have approved this course and refer parents to us.

Objectives: To support parents and carers to make positive changes to their child’s sleep patterns, which will enable the whole family to benefit from more sleep. This will have a very positive effect on the health and wellbeing of all family members.

Course Content:

• An introduction to sleep

• The importance of sleep and impact of sleep deprivation

• Sleep cycles

• Identifying and managing sleep challenges

• How to keep a sleep diary

• Bedtime routines

• Positive bedtimes and sleep environments

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the importance of sleep and the impact that sleep deprivation has on parents and carers, children and siblings

• Explore common challenges with sleep - how SEND affects sleep and sleep affects SEND

• Learn how to keep a sleep diary and how to interpret the results

• Understand the importance of good sleep hygiene including bedtime routines and sleep friendly bedrooms

• Explore approaches and build a toolbox of strategies to help overcome sleep issues and help everyone in the family have improved sleep

*Note that independent research by Nottingham University has proved that on average, children slept for an additional 2.5hrs/night once parents had implemented the techniques learned on this course.

This 3 week course looks at sleep and the difficulties many children with SEND experience. It then moves on to look at possible strategies or solutions to help with these difficulties. Each weekly session is 2 hours long and occurs on the same day and time each week. It is advised that you attend all sessions to gain maximum benefit.

Modules covered are:

• Introduction to Sleep
• Causes of Sleep Issues
• Identifying and Managing Sleep Problems
• Bedtime Routines
• Positive Bedtimes and Sleep Friendly Bedrooms

P LEASE NOTE This course will take place over 3 consecutive weeks

Tuesday, 7th January: Session 1

Tuesday, 14th January: Session 2

Tuesday, 21st January: Session 3

Book your free place on Eventbrite