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Abstract Disability SAs Early Childhood Service identified the need to address sleep disturbance in young children with developmental delay. Sleep disturbance has been clearly linked to reduced daytime functioning, increased problematic behaviour and increased family stress levels (Didden, Curfs, van Driel & de Moor, 2002; Honomichl, Goodlin-Jones, Burnham, Gaylor & Anders, 2002; Mindell & Owens, 2003). While sleep disturbance is common in typically developing children, there is an increased prevalence of sleep disturbance in children with devel- opmental delay that requires professional intervention (Stores & Wiggs, 2001; Williams, Sears & Allard, 2004). Early intervention and prevention of sleep disturbance in young children with developmental delay was consid- ered important to maximise children’s potential and facilitate family well-being. The purpose of this article is to outline the Sleepwise approach and report the initial findings from its implementation over 1 year within the Early Childhood Service.'

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Authors: Annie O’Connell and Kath Vannan
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal > Volume 55, Issue 3 - September 2008 > Pages 212–214.

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[AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL ARTICLE; ARTICLE AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE]

Every activity that we engage in has benefits and potential problems or risks that accompany it. Likewise, sleep has benefits to our health and well-being and problems that can occur when we lack sufficient quality sleep. The benefits and problems are directly connected to how many hours of uninterrupted sleep that we attain on a daily basis, together with the nature of that sleep. For adults to be healthy, sleep takes up approximately one third of every 24 hour day. That is a major chunk of time that begs for our acknowledgement and attention For babies and children, obtaining sufficient hours of sleep has a direct relation to their development.
 

An important fact to take note of is that whether or not the hours of sleep were adequate and rejuvenating has a direct impact on our waking hours and our ability to effectively carry out our daily tasks. This is where occupational therapy (OT) has become recognised as having a role to play in the area of sleep and wellness.'

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Author: Shoshanah Shear
Huffington Post > Healthy Living - 27th October 2016
 

[INTERNATIONALLY COLLABORATED WEBSITE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE]

We are passionate about teaching children to sleep - and have been since 2000.

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Millpond is the only sleep clinic working with children from babies right up to adolescence - and our trainers are all fully qualified medical professionals. The NHS trusts us to train their staff. You can trust us to help your child sleep.'

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[UK CHARITY. NATIONAL SERVICE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE]

Sleep health is an emerging field of research, focused on how we sleep and the benefits it provides to our minds, bodies and lives. At Sleep.org, by the National Sleep Foundation, we are dedicated to starting a movement about the positive benefits of sleep health. 

Join us as we uncover sleep’s mysteries and create a sleep health movement, that empowers all of us to take back our sleep. Learn more about how you can feel better and start improving your sleep today.

[US WEBSITE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE]

SleepAbility, For Children & Teenagers with Sleep Difficulties. SleepAbility is a therapy and education service developed by Annie O’Connell (MSc OT) that aims to improve sleep for children, teenagers and their families. Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s daily routine and strongly related to quality of life, learning, health and emotional well-being. Sleep, like diet and exercise, helps us to grow, recover from the wear and tear of daily life and build immunity. While sleeping, the brain sorts and stores memories for future learning.

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Over 80% of children and teenagers with developmental disabilities have disturbed sleep that affects their development, daytime behaviour (hyperactivity, mood swings, lethargy, aggression,  self-injury), learning and health. A child’s inadequate sleep can have a large impact on the whole family, with increased emotional and physical stress. Sleep-deprived parents and carers find it harder to manage family and work commitments. Parents' own health can be greatly impacted by poor sleep.

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SleepAbility can help families to develop better sleeping patterns for their children, with a family centred individualised sleep plan.

 

[AUSTRALIAN SERVICE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE]

Welcome to sleepOT.org, the information and networking site for occupational therapists interested in sleep. This site is aimed at everyone involved in occupational therapy practice and research, and for occupational therapists in all fields and all regions.

Here you will find a growing body of information about sleep which is relevant to OT practice, contributed to by international experts in the field.  You will find links and listing of online resources and literature relevant to your sleep-related practice, research or study.

We are a national, award-winning charity, supporting children with sleep issues. We provide support for families and accredited training for professionals and commercial organisations.

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Sleep deprivation can have a serious impact on emotional, physical and mental health. Many families seeking our support are approaching crisis point. We offer a range of services, from working directly with parents, to training professionals in the NHS.

 

Our work is based on the latest research - and we have a team of experts, who input into our training materials and courses. We believe in working in partnership with families and offer a gentle approach to making lasting changes to your child’s sleep patterns.

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[UK CHARITY. NATIONAL SERVICE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE]