Sleep health
Information
Here you’ll find answers to some common questions concerning your child’s sleep heath.
Select the underlined questions below to see more.
What is sleep health and quality?
Why is sleep so important?
Who is most likely to struggle with sleep?
Why we struggle with sleep?
What is sleep health and quality?
Sleep is an essential part of life but just because you slept for 10 hours doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll feel better for it! Our sleep is broken into cycles that process memories, emotions and allow the body and mind to rest. So we can thrive the next day.
Why is sleep so important?
Lack of good quality sleep is linked to:
- Difficulties concentrating, restlessness and making decisions
- High stress
- Reduces growth in young children and teens
- Difficulties forming and maintaining relationships
Who is most likely to struggle with sleep?
Anyone! It’s a really common modern difficulty. Young children can struggle as they need a parent to use a consistent bedtime routine. Teens managing school stress and screen time which keeps the brain over stimulated. Parents –can find it difficult to wind down from a busy day taking care of others.
Why we struggle with sleep?
Our body naturally produces sleep hormones. Unfortunately the blue light emitted from phones, televisions and tablets sends a signal to the brain which delays the release of these hormones. Our bodies are synced with natural light and blue light gives our brain mixed messages. You may find you yawn more when you are tired and your body is ready for rest, but you can’t fall asleep. You find yourself fidgeting —unable to fall asleep, frequently waking and unable to get back to sleep. |
Many clinicians and young people have said:
Coping with
- Set regular sleep and wake times
- Reduce screen time before going to bed
- Do something relaxing before bed like reading or a warm bath.
- Use an alarm clock instead of your phone, reducing temptation
- Write down to-do’s and worries then you can forget them until the morning.
If they’re struggling with sleep, here are some ideas that may help them to cope:
Finding help
Who can they talk to?
- Friends
- Family
- Someone you trust at school
- Youth worker
- Health professional (GP; Counsellor Nurse)
- Charities and Helplines
Select the underlined topics below to view what resources are available.
Useful documents
Helpful websites
Getting more help
If you haven’t already found the help you’re looking for, you can find additional information and services which are more interactive here.
I would like to make a referral to Mental Health Services by completing the online referral form
Select the underlined topics below to view what resources are available.
Help lines
Local services
National support organisations
Help lines
Local services
…in and around North Staffordshire
National support organisations
