Sleep Support

Video courtesy of The Together Trust

Good sleep is needed for children’s growth and development

A good night’s sleep helps children learn and behave better. They can think faster, remember more, and solve problems more easily. They are also healthier, get fewer colds, and feel calmer.

Good sleep is so important

A good night’s sleep helps children learn and behave better. They can think faster, remember more, and solve problems more easily. They are also healthier, get fewer colds, and feel calmer.

Not getting enough sleep can cause problems for children. They may be over active, have behaviour problems, and struggle to learn and grow properly. Poor sleep at a young age can also lead to sleep problems later in life.

Many things can affect a child’s sleep, including:

  • what they eat
  • changes to their daily routine
  • feeling too hot, cold, or uncomfortable
  • fear or worry
  • sensory needs (for example, waking up when they hear small noises like the heating turning on)
  • children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Starting a bedtime routine

 

  • Choose a bedtime for your child.
  • Start a calm bedtime routine about 30 minutes before sleep time.
  • Keep bedtime simple. For example, read one story, tuck your child in, and say goodnight.
  • Give your child a comfort item, like a favourite toy or blanket.
  • Leave a small light on if your child needs it.
  • If your child gets out of bed, calmly take them back. Do not make a fuss.
  • Try to do the same routine every night.
  • You may need to repeat this for a few nights before it works.

Top Tips for Under 5's

  • Try to avoid long naps in the afternoon.
  • Have a calm bedtime routine every night. Try to do the same things and start at the same time each evening.
  • If your child says they are hungry, give them a small snack like cereal and milk before bed. Don't forget to brush their teeth after.
  • If your child is scared of the dark, use a night light or leave a small light on in the hall.
  • Do not let your child use phones, tablets, or laptops for 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Screen light can make it harder to sleep.
  • If your child wakes up at night, keep things quiet and calm. Do not turn on bright lights or play games.

Need support with your child's sleep?

Together Trust deliver Sleep Chats for families with children aged 2-11 who live in the Bradford district. A sleep chat is a short 20–30 minute phone call designed to offer initial advice and simple strategies. During the call, they can talk through basic sleep questions or straightforward issues that may benefit from some quick guidance.

Sleep chat sessions are taking place on the following dates between 10.00am and 12.00pm:

  • Wednesday 15 April 2026
  • Thursday 14 May 2026
  • Tuesday 16 June 2026
  • Wednesday 15 July 2026
  • Tuesday 11 August 2026

If you would like to register for a Sleep Chat, please email your full name, contact number and preferred date to: admintss@togethertrust.org.uk

For more complex cases

Together Trust provide 'Sleep Tight Bradford and Craven' which are specialist one-to-one sleep clinics. Together Trust, sleep practitioners will work with families to create a personalised sleep plan for children so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep.

If you’re a parent, carer, or practitioner supporting a family living in the Bradford or Craven area with a child aged between 2-11 visit Sleep Tight Bradford and Craven.

Need someone to talk to now?

The National Sleep Helpline has trained sleep advisors who can talk things through and suggest ways to help.

You can call them on 03303 530541

They are available:

  • Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 7pm - 9pm
  • Monday and Wednesday 9 - 11 am 

Not available on Bank Holidays

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