When six‑year‑old Nova was referred to The Sleep Charity, her family had been struggling with severe sleep difficulties since the day she was born. What began as typical newborn wakefulness quickly developed into years of fractured nights, exhaustion, and increasing stress for both Nova and her mum, Maisie.
By the time Nova started school, things had intensified. Bedtimes regularly led to meltdowns, and the only way Nova could fall asleep was by clinging to her mum for hours – often while crying and overwhelmed. Nights were marked by multiple long wake‑ups, leaving Maisie permanently drained and worried about the long‑term impact on her daughter.
Like so many families, they had ‘tried everything.’ From controlled soothing methods to Scandinavian‑style bedtime routines, diet adjustments, supplements, and new sleep products – nothing made a difference. Well‑intentioned comments such as ‘She’ll settle soon’ or ‘She must be tired from school’ simply didn’t reflect their reality.
“I was barely functioning… I had exhausted every option I could think of,” Maisie told us.
Starting the Journey With The Sleep Charity
After a conversation with Nova’s school and support from the SEN team, Maisie reached out through our online enquiry form. From the very first call, she felt heard.
“You immediately acknowledged the steps I had already taken, which put me at ease and helped me realise this wasn’t something I was doing wrong – it was simply complex.”
Julie, one of our trained Sleep Practitioners, worked closely with Maisie to understand Nova’s needs, including her suspected ADHD and sensory sensitivities. Together, they created a personalised sleep plan and explored the science behind sleep, environmental adjustments, and techniques to reduce bedtime stress.
Working Together: A Tailored, Adaptive Approach
Through several follow‑up calls, the plan evolved. Some strategies worked well, others needed adjusting – and each time, Julie and Maisie adapted things collaboratively.
They explored:
- Triggers for difficult nights
- The impact of ‘transition days’
- Introducing ‘sleepy foods’
- Creating a calming ‘golden hour’
- Gradually reshaping bedtime routines
- Techniques to support gradual retreat
“Call by call, we refined the plan… piece by piece, like a jigsaw puzzle.”
Life-Changing Progress
Within a few months, Nova went from sleeping roughly three hours a night to sometimes sleeping through – something that had never happened before.
Even on tougher nights, she now:
- Settles more easily
- Approaches bedtime more positively
- Wakes less frequently
- Manages night-time transitions with far less distress
While the family still experiences occasional challenges, the difference is profound.
“It may not be ‘picture perfect’ sleep, but it’s manageable – and that’s something I could never say before.”
A Whole Family Transforming
Better sleep has created positive ripple effects across home life:
- Maisie has the energy to rest and decompress
- Nova can now settle with her step‑dad, lifting pressure from mum
- Nova managed a night away at her aunt’s house – once unimaginable
“This service has genuinely improved Nova’s quality of life, as well as mine and my partner’s. We are functioning so much better and so much healthier.”
Feeling Heard for the First Time
For years, Maisie felt dismissed or told to “just leave her to cry” – advice she knew wasn’t right for Nova.
The biggest change? Feeling supported.
“You made me feel heard. You understood Nova’s needs weren’t as simple as ‘close the door.’ You listened every step of the way and helped us find the right combination of strategies. We’ll always be grateful for the part you’ve played in our journey.”
A Message of Hope
As their sessions came to an end, Maisie told us:
“Thank you for giving us hope, rest, and a sense of normality again. The support felt completely tailored to Nova’s needs. By the time our calls ended, it felt like you had been part of our journey for a very long time.”
We are honoured to have walked this journey with Nova and her family – and proud of the strength, persistence, and love that brought them to a healthier, happier place.