What this section is about
Night needs are extremely important. Include settling, waking, night terrors, anxiety, safety risks, wandering, needing reassurance, toileting, medication and impact on the household.
Avoid saying
- They do not sleep well.
- They wake up a lot.
- We are tired.
Better ways to explain
- My child needs adult support during the night due to anxiety, distress and inability to resettle independently.
- My child wakes frequently and requires reassurance, supervision or intervention.
- There are safety risks if my child wakes unsupervised.
Example wording
My child has significant night-time needs. They struggle to settle and wake during the night requiring adult reassurance and supervision. If left unsupported, they may become distressed, wake others, wander, access unsafe items or be unable to return to sleep.
Evidence that helps
- Sleep diary
- Melatonin/medication records
- letters
- Sleep clinic letters
- /MHST letters
- Parent log of night waking
Common mistakes
- Not keeping a sleep diary
- Saying "bad sleeper" without detail
- Forgetting how long you are awake
- Forgetting safety risks
- Forgetting emotional reassurance
Part of the Bright Steps Ultimate Guide. For the full interactive walkthrough with printable templates, sign in and visit the DLA Guide.