Sleep training for local practitioners

Wednesday 15 May 2019

Ten professionals working with children and adults with Autism spectrum disorder in Guernsey have become accredited Sleep Better trainers.

Thanks to a new initiative by Autism Guernsey and support from Only Fools and Donkeys, the new trainers are able to host a series of five workshops to support families in establishing better quality sleep.

Renowned sleep expert and founder of The Children's Sleep Charity, Vicky Dawson, delivered two days of intensive training to the practitioners looking at the impact disrupted sleep can have on the whole family. It focused on sleep disorders, as well as causes of sleep difficulties from diet to sensory issues, and also offered a range of strategies to improve sleep quality and duration.

The course included up-to-date scientific research looking at the effect sleep deprivation can have on emotional, physical and mental health.

Pictured: Attendees at the Sleep Better training course.

Ms Dawson's course was based around the Sleep Tight programme, which is currently used by more than 30,000 people. A recent independent evaluation of the programme showed an average increase of more than two and a half hours sleep per night following intervention.

"I work to support adults to struggle to sleep at night and find this [training] will be transferable to all ages," said Autism Guernsey Family Support Worker, Martine White.

Katie Sweeney, also from the charity, agreed adding: "Being able to provide knowledge, support and proven strategies will make an enormous difference."

Anyone interested in the future Better Sleep workshops can contact Autism Guernsey direct on 232879.

Pictured top: File image.