Sleep Support

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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:

• 2026: Tuesday 15 September, Wednesday 14 October, Thursday 12 November, Tuesday 8 December.

• 2027: Wednesday 13 January, Thursday 11 February, Tuesday 16 March, Wednesday 14 April, Tuesday 18 May, Wednesday 9 June, Tuesday 29 June, Thursday 15 July.

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.