Sleep Tight Trafford
Poor sleep doesn’t have to be a given. If sleep is an issue in your home, we’re here to help.
Sleep Tight Trafford offer one-to-one sleep clinics for local parents and carers in Trafford. Our sleep practitioners work with you to create a personalised sleep plan for your child so everyone can get a good night’s sleep. We’ve also got loads of great tips and resources below so you can start rethinking sleep today.
Clinic appointments
If you’re a parent or carer living in Trafford, take a look at our section below on how to book an appointment. Our clinics book up quickly so you may be invited to join our waiting list for an appointment.
Clinic appointments are currently being offered via video consultation (Zoom) or telephone. Please let us know your preference when requesting an appointment.
t: 0161 286 4201
Why is sleep important?
A good night’s sleep can make a huge difference to our daily life. Sleep can help us stay healthy, improve our mood and is super important when it comes to learning.
If sleep (or lack of) is an issue in your family, the good news is you can do something about it.
We're here to help
We know that sleep can have a huge impact on the whole family. Sleep Tight Trafford helps you understand what’s affecting your child’s sleep, and how you can improve things.
Your questions answered
Who can book an appointment?
Our one-to-one clinics are for parents and carers of children with sleep problems living in Trafford.
If you live outside of Trafford, we might still be able to help. Check out our Autism Sleep Clinic for services across the North West.
If you’re a care professional looking for training, please get in touch with us: enquires@togethertrust.org.uk
When can I book an appointment?
You can self-refer for one of our clinics at any time. Clinics take place in different locations throughout the year, take a look at our upcoming clinics above to find one that suits you.
How do I book an appointment?
Find a date that suits you and call us on 0161 286 4201 to book an appointment or add your name to the waiting list.
How long do the appointments last?
Appointments last for up to 90 minutes. If your child has complex additional needs, our sleep practitioner may need to book in some additional time so they have plenty of time to help you improve your child’s sleep.
Do I need to bring my child to the appointment?
No, you don’t need to bring your child to the appointment. Our sleep practitioners work with you to discuss your child’s needs and habits and create a personalised sleep plan for you to take away.
Information and advice
If you would like some general sleep advice, we have produced a set of downloadable information sheets on various topics linked to children’s sleep. This information and advice are aimed at children aged two years and up. Please click the links below to download our resources.
Sleep Tips: Afraid of the dark?
These fears are very normal and usually start showing up around the age of two. The reason for this is that a toddler’s mind is maturing, their memory is getting longer, and their imagination continues to develop. They are starting to become more aware that there are things that can hurt them. They may have even watched a show or read a book that frightened them.
Download the colour version of the poster here.
Download the black and white version of the poster here.
Sleep Tips: Anxiety and fear
Cortisol is a hormone that is raised during times of stress and makes us feel alert and awake. It naturally reduces at night so that we can sleep. If your child is anxious at bedtime, their cortisol levels will be raised, and they will find it difficult to sleep.
Download the colour version of the poster here.
Download the black and white version of the poster here.
Sleep Tips: Beds
Make sure your child only uses their bed for sleep in order to associate it with relaxation and a pre-bedtime ritual such as reading a book, rather than homework, gaming or playing with toys, for example.
Download the colour version of the poster here.
Download the black and white version of the poster here.
Sleep Tips: Bedtime routine
A bedtime routine helps to regulate children’s body clocks and aids relaxation, leading to a good night’s sleep. Trying a new bedtime routine might worsen sleep patterns before they get better. Consistency is important and we advise sticking to the new routine for at least two weeks before you start to see some positive changes.
Download the colour version of the poster here.
Download the black and white version of the poster here.
Sleep Tips: Example of bedtime routine
Below is an example of a bedtime routine for a child whose bedtime is 8:15pm. It helps to have this routine displayed visually. It can be displayed as written below if your child can read. With younger children, you can use pictures or photographs of each activity and show these to them at the appropriate times whilst giving the instruction verbally.
Download the colour version of the poster here.
Download the black and white version of the poster here.
Sleep Tips: Exercise and Daytime Activity
People sleep significantly better and feel more alert during the day if they get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a week. Exercise is beneficial to both physical and mental health and increases your child’s need for sleep.
Download the colour version of the poster here.
Download the black and white version of the poster here.
Sleep Tips: Food and Drink
Food and drink that your child consumes throughout the day, and especially in the evening, can have an impact on how well they settle to sleep. Caffeine and sugar both impact sleep quality and can cause more frequent night wakings.
Download the colour version of the poster here.
Download the black and white version of the poster here.
Sleep Tips: Light
How much light your child is exposed to before bedtime and in their bedroom itself can have a significant impact on how well they sleep as light disrupts their circadian rhythm and tells their body it is time to stay awake and alert. However, your child’s sleep isn’t just affected by light levels in their bedroom, but also by light levels during the day.
Download the colour version of the poster here.
Download the black and white version of the poster here.
Sleep Tips: Nightmares and Sleep (Night) Terrors
Sleep Terrors (also called Night Terrors) and Nightmares are often thought to be the same thing when in fact, they are quite different. Nightmares are more common than Sleep Terrors but neither will cause any long-term psychological harm to your child.
Download the colour version of the poster here.
Download the black and white version of the poster here.
Sleep Tips: Noise
To get the sleep that your child needs, it’s important to protect their sleep environment against unwanted sounds for the duration of their night’s rest. Noise at night can prevent your child from falling asleep initially, and sounds during the night can wake them, leaving them unable to return to sleep. While your child sleeps, the sleeping brain continues to register and process sounds. Noises can create restlessness in sleep even if they don’t wake your child fully, and these interruptions affect sleep quality.
Download the colour version of the poster here.
Download the black and white version of the poster here.
Sleep Tips: Relaxation
Cortisol is a hormone, which is raised during times of stress and makes us feel alert and awake. It naturally reduces at night so that we can sleep. If your child is anxious at bedtime, their cortisol levels will be raised, and they will find it difficult to sleep. Please see our “Anxiety and fear” advice sheet for more information and try the relaxation techniques below.
Download the colour version of the poster here.
Download the black and white version of the poster here.
Sleep Tips: Temperature
Body temperature fluctuates during the day. Your child’s body temperature will peak late afternoon and then start to drop in the evening. About two hours before bed, core body temperature lowers, which signals to the brain that it’s time to fall asleep. This lowering of body temperature kickstarts melatonin production, which is the hormone that helps your child to fall asleep.