Sleep difficulties are very common among children and young people with additional needs.

Neurodivergent children and young people often have trouble sleeping for a variety of reasons, including sensory differences, difficulties switching off, differences in body clocks, and co-occurring health conditions.

Your child may also have learning difficulties, a genetic condition, vision or hearing impairment, complex medical needs, mental health difficulties, or a combination of several different needs.

Perhaps they struggle to fall asleep, wake frequently in the night, wake very early in the morning, have poor quality sleep, or seem to need much less sleep than other children their age.

You may feel as though you have tried everything. Perhaps you have followed advice that works for other families but simply doesn't fit your child's needs. You may have been told that your child's sleep difficulties are just part of their condition, leaving you unsure what can realistically be improved.

Sleep difficulties can affect every aspect of family life. Parents often feel exhausted and overwhelmed, struggling to function in daily life and at work.

If this sounds familiar, you're in the right place. Even when sleep difficulties are linked to complex needs, there are usually ways to improve the situation.