Update on our Sleep Support Line
- On Wednesday 7th October, we are sharing the difficult news that Sleep Action’s Sleep Support Line will close on 31st March 2027 due to ongoing funding challenges. This is not because of declining demand or lack of effectiveness; our waiting list is at record levels. This decision has been made to protect the long-term future of the organisation.
- Read more here for more information, including how you can help
We're here to help
We understand how tough it can be when children and young people are struggling with sleep. There’s no judgment, no blame, and no criticism in our service. We provide a safe, supportive space where you can share your concerns. Our goal is to help you feel more confident and positive about improving sleep in your household.
We work with families in many different situations, including those with children and young people awaiting assessment or diagnosis
This includes:
- Children and young people with a diagnosed additional support need
- Children and young people with a suspected additional support need (regardless of waiting list status)
- Children and young people with no additional support needs
Can we support you?
The Scottish Sleep Support Line is only currently available for children and young people who meet the following criteria:
- Live in Scotland
- Between 18 months and 18 years old
If both of these apply to you or your child, use the form above to contact us.
Are you a teenager wanting direct support? Use the button below for information specific to you.
Don’t match the support criteria? We have lots of expert guidance for better sleep.
Who are our Sleep Support Line team?
Each of our Sleep Support Line team is experienced at supporting families with sleep issues. They have all received training to support children and young people with additional support needs, including autism and ADHD, as well as those facing other challenges. Some have a particular specialism in certain issues or age groups.
Our Sleep Team have backgrounds including NHS work, family support, adoption and fostering, counselling, therapy, women’s aid and the education sector.
Iain
Father of 5-year-old daughter
Iain's story
Why Iain contacted Sleep Action
- Iain’s 5-year-old daughter Isla lived with her mum during the week and came to stay with Iain and his new partner at weekends and holidays
- Isla had always come through to her parents’ bed as a baby and co-slept for at least part of every night she was with Iain and his new partner Caitlin. She also co-slept at home with her mum
- Caitlin was now expecting a baby so both Iain and Caitlin wanted to change Isla’s sleep patterns before the new baby arrived
- Iain’s ex-partner, Mhairi, asked to hear about any help Iain receives
How we helped Iain
The Sleep Advisor made a detailed assessment call with Iain and Caitlin to understand Isla’s patterns and behaviour on the nights she was with them.
Together, they recognised that Isla spent hardly any time in her bedroom at Iain’s house. Iain and Caitlin removed junk and stored items from the room, added pictures and items which belonged to Isla (including photos of her Mum Mhairi) and spent time playing with her and reading together in the room when she visited.
Because Isla’s visits were usually weekends and holidays, Iain and Caitlin had not focused on a consistent bedtime or routine. Working with the Sleep Advisor, they agreed to a new wind-down hour and a pattern of actions to take when Isla woke in the night. They made a poster for the kitchen with the timetable of ‘Bedtimes at Daddy’s House’.
Finally, the Advisor gave some suggestions about storybooks and activities that could help Isla feel secure and comfortable about the new baby’s arrival.
The Sleep Advisor provided an outline sleep plan to share with Mum Mhairi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does sleep support work?
We begin with an initial assessment to understand your household and learn about your child to give us the best chance to improve their sleep. Your Sleep Advisor will explore all the elements that may affect your child’s sleep during your sleep assessment and bring these together into a sleep plan.
We create a tailored sleep plan based on this assessment for you to put into practice at home, incorporating practical, tried-and-tested strategies. Your sleep plan will be unique and tailored to your child’s needs, aiming to build healthy sleep habits and behaviours over time. It may be a mix of quick fixes, gentle tweaks, and longer-term changes.
Some families require ongoing support to implement a sleep plan; we assess this on a case-by-case basis and offer support as needed.
When will I see results?
There is no quick fix for improving sleep. Some families see changes within days, but lasting improvements take time.
Establishing a sleep routine may take weeks or even months. Better sleep requires patience and consistency. The smallest steps can lead to lasting improvements. We are here to support you for as long as it takes.
When will I speak to someone?
Waiting times can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the demand for support and the availability of our Sleep Advisors and Sleep Counsellors.
We will always share the estimated waiting time when you begin the process, so you know what to expect.
We cannot fast-track any child for sleep support.
Do I have to pay?
The Scottish Sleep Support Line is available to families with children and young people living in Scotland at no cost, thanks to grant funding.
As a charity, we are incredibly grateful for any donations. If you would like to support us and help continue this vital service, please visit our donations page.
Can you improve my sleep?
The Scottish Sleep Support Line exclusively assists children and young people aged 18 months to 18 years. We are unable to provide sleep support to adults. Parents and caregivers often report that as their child’s sleep improves, their own sleep also gets better.
Does it work?
Sleep Action is proud to be the UK’s first and oldest sleep charity supporting families since 1998. Over 4,000 families have placed their trust in our Scottish Sleep Support Line since 2018.
We base our advice on the most current understanding of sleep, making it easy to understand and apply. Our approach is shaped by over twenty-five years of real-life experience with families like yours. Change takes time and can present challenges, but we are confident in the support we provide and the difference it can make.
Does my whole family have to participate?
The best improvements to a child’s sleep happen when everyone plays a part. The changes we suggest may involve everybody in your family, and we will work with you to manage this.
We recognise that the cooperation of the entire family is not always possible. In these circumstances, we will provide you with alternative strategies.Can the plan work in two homes?
Sleep plans can be effective even if your child regularly spends time in another home, for example, with grandparents or another parent.
Keeping things consistent, even in different settings, can make a big difference. We’re happy to work with your whole family to agree on a plan that works across both households. Please share this information in your sleep assessment.
Is the support line confidential?
At Sleep Action, we take confidentiality very seriously. We understand that many families come to us feeling anxious or worried about being judged. We take a no-blame approach to every conversation, and what you share stays between you and your Sleep Advisor or Sleep Counsellor.
In exceptional circumstances, we may need to share information without your consent. This could happen if:
- We believe you, your child, or someone else in your household is at serious risk of harm to themselves or others
- Any communication suggests a child or young person may be experiencing abuse or neglect
- We receive a court order requiring us to share information
- We are instructed to do so by the police
- There is a threat made against Sleep Action staff
In these situations, we would contact the appropriate support organisation or emergency services. Wherever possible, we’ll let you know if this needs to happen. Our priority is always to keep you, your child, and others safe.
