Sleep Difficulty
Sleep is more than just rest — it's a building block for learning, behavior, mood, and physical growth. "Sleep difficulty and regulation" is about how a child falls asleep, how they stay asleep, and how their body and brain learn to wind down and wake up. Children of all ages can struggle with parts of this process, and those struggles often show up as fussiness, trouble concentrating, or resistance at bedtime rather than only as nighttime waking.
Why this matters
A child's ability to regulate sleep affects daytime energy, emotional flexibility, and how well they can handle classroom demands and family routines. When sleep patterns are inconsistent or hard to manage, it makes daily life harder for the child and for caregivers. Working on sleep is not about perfect nights — it's about creating steady habits and skills that help children feel safer and more calm around bedtime and wake time.
What we focus on in therapy and coaching
We look at the whole picture: the child’s age and developmental stage, daily schedules, naps (for younger children), how sensory needs affect sleep, and the family’s usual bedtime routines. Sessions are collaborative: we listen to what’s working and what’s not, observe behaviors when possible, and help families build practical plans that fit their values and rhythms.
What to expect in sessions
- Intake conversation: We'll ask about sleep history, daily routines, and any stresses that might affect sleep. Caregivers are the experts on their child; we use that information to guide next steps.
- Observation and screening: When helpful, we do brief screenings of sensory and regulation skills that influence sleep.
- Goal-setting: Together we set realistic goals — for example, fewer bedtime battles, more predictable naps, or calmer wake-ups.
- A plan you can try at home: We offer step-by-step strategies, not one-size-fits-all rules. Plans typically include routine-building, calming activities, environmental adjustments, and ways to support the child's ability to self-soothe.
- Coaching and tracking: We coach caregivers on how to use the plan, troubleshoot challenges, and adjust strategies over time. Progress is tracked in small steps so families can notice change.
What we do not do
We don’t provide medical diagnoses or prescribe medication. If we identify concerns that may need medical or developmental evaluation, we’ll recommend the appropriate next steps and coordinate with your child’s medical providers when helpful.
When to consider support
- Bedtime consistently takes a long time and causes major stress for the family.
- Night wakings or early rising are regular and affecting daytime mood or school.
- Your child has big meltdowns around sleep or shows strong resistance to calming activities.
- You’re unsure how to adapt sleep routines for a new developmental stage (newborn to infant sleep changes, transition out of naps, or teen sleep shifts).
- Sensory preferences (light, noise, touch) seem to worsen sleep struggles.
How we help
- Create gentle, practical bedtime and wake routines tailored to your child’s age and family life.
- Teach calming and self-regulation skills children can use at bedtime and overnight.
- Recommend environmental and sensory adjustments (lighting, bedding, sound) that support sleep readiness.
- Coach caregivers on consistent responses and gradual changes that reduce stress around sleep.
- Provide follow-up support to tweak plans as your child grows.
Our aim is to make evenings and mornings easier and more predictable for your family. Small, steady changes often add up to calmer nights and smoother days — and we’ll be there to guide you through each step.