For families dealing with ongoing sleep difficulties, the impact can go far beyond bedtime. Poor sleep can affect a child’s confidence, anxiety and daytime wellbeing – while leaving parents exhausted too.
For one family, finding the right support has made a huge difference.
Joe* had been struggling with anxiety around sleep, including worries about his bedroom at night. His mum was often spending a significant amount of time settling him and helping him get back to sleep during the night.
With support from his healthcare team who prescribed melatonin and The Sleep Charity’s support, Joe’s mum says the difference has been remarkable.
“He takes the prescribed dose of melatonin around 8pm when he has his bath, and then we start bedtime at 9pm,” she explains. “Once he’s stopped chatting through the big questions of the day, he’s generally asleep within five to ten minutes.”
Rather than needing prolonged reassurance, Joe now usually settles with his mum sitting beside his bed for a short time. Occasionally he asks for a hand on him – particularly after a recent encounter with a spider in his bedroom – but most nights he doesn’t need this.
He still wakes once or twice on most nights, but getting back to sleep has become much easier. His mum says she is usually only sitting with him for around 10 minutes before he settles again.
There have also been improvements in his morning sleep. While early waking is still sometimes an issue, particularly around big events such as starting at a new school, he is generally sleeping until around 5.30 or 6am – and on one recent morning he even slept until 6.55am.
One step at a time
Perhaps just as importantly, Joe’s mum has noticed that he is becoming less anxious.
He still prefers to have his lamp on at night, but for now the family is happy to let him keep it. After being out of school for more than a year, returning to school has been a big transition, so they are taking things one step at a time.
“For now, I want to let him get fully into the swing of being back at school,” his mum says. “One step at a time.”
It’s a reminder that improving sleep doesn’t necessarily mean changing everything at once. For children who are anxious around sleep, small, manageable steps can help them feel safe and build confidence around bedtime.
A difference for the whole family
The changes haven’t just benefited Joe. His mum says that the improvement in his sleep has given them both something they had been missing for a long time: a chance to rest.
“I just wanted to thank you for all your help,” she says. “You have given a very anxious – and undoubtedly tired – boy and a very tired mummy the break we have both needed for so very long now.”
While every child’s sleep needs are different, Joe’s story highlights how the right support can make a meaningful difference to both a child and their family.
If your child is struggling with sleep or anxiety around bedtime, speak to a healthcare professional for advice tailored to their individual needs.
*We have changed the name in this case study as they wish to remain anonymous
