Sleep Resources & Advice
YOUnited receives a lot of enquiries about sleep support and requests to prescribe melatonin.
We are not a prescribing service. The national guidance currently is that melatonin is only indicated as being helpful for children with additional needs and who have been seen by a community paediatrician or psychiatrist.
All additional support around sleep routines needs to have been put in place before melatonin can be considered.
If a GP is willing to accept shared care once a specialist has started treatment, prescribing can be initiated and should be reviewed every 6 months. Studies indicate it is helpful to take breaks from melatonin use and that it should not be prescribed for longer than 2 years as it loses efficacy.
**Please note: there is widespread concern about the safety of melatonin gummies sold online with some children becoming very unwell as a result of consuming them. Be aware that the strength of items purchased online can vary and contents may not be as stated.
They are not considered safe by UK standards.
Scope is still available for parents and carers. Their helpline provides free, independent and impartial advice and support. You will find online advice and support on a range of topics including sleep.
0808 800 3333
Sleep Resources from North Derbyshire CAMHS
Cambridge Community Services
Cambridge Community Services website offers parents advice on sleep hygiene and information on common issues and how to sleep well.
Information on sleep routines for young people and teenagers can be found using this link:
The Sleep Charity
The National Sleep Helpline is run by trained sleep advisors, many of whom are specialists in working with SEND. They can talk to young people directly, or parents . They also offer advice on their website and a Teen Hub for teenagers to learn more about their sleep.
The helpline i s open 5 times a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings 7-9pm, and Monday, Wednesday mornings 9-11am. The number is 03303 530 541.
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Cerebra Sleep Advice Service
Sleep Advice Service - Cerebra
For young people with a diagnosis of a brain-related or neurological condition (or be on a pathway to a diagnosis). We understand that if you have one child that doesn’t sleep, the whole family suffers. Our range of sleep services will help your child – and everyone in your family – get a good night’s sleep.
Teen Sleep Hub
The Teen Sleep Hub offers advice on how to sleep better, tips on sleep routines and information on the science behind sleep patterns. There are resources on the website for both teenagers and parents/carers , as well as videos on various issues that impact sleep, such as anxiety and screen time.
Sleep Action
Sleep Action are a charity who offer advice and tips on sleep and counselling for children, young people and families. You can find out further details on their website:
They also have a book let for teenagers around sleep hygiene and routine, which can be accessed using this link:
Cambridge University Hospital Sleep Service
The Children’s Sleep Service at Cambridge University Hospital supports children and young people who have conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Central Sleep Apnoea. Children will need to see a medical professional to be referred to this service.
Cambridgeshire Community Support Service
ONLY FOR CHILDREN UNDER DISABILITY SOCIAL CARE (SOCIAL WORKERS CAN REFER)
The Community Support Service offers support to children and young people who have moderate to severe learning disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments and complex health needs who have had an assessment with Disability Social Care. They offer a sleep programme to help with issues such as night waking, trouble settling to sleep and nighttime routines.
Sleep and Neurodiversity
Specialist organisations notice that, for young people with ADHD, it can be important to think about activity and exercise across the day as this can help with physically switching off for sleep. Young people with ASD may need more help with understanding why sleep matters e.g. via social stories, support with managing worries and emotions long before bedtime comes around and additional time for mental winding down and a reduction in sensory stimulation.
ADHD Foundation
Supporting-Sleep-with-Five-steps-Lisa-Rudge-1.pdf
The Sleep Charity
National Autistic Society
Parents and families Sleep — a guide for parents of autistic children
As a patient, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support.