How much sleep should adults get?

It is typically recommended that the average adult get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night.

How important is a good night’s sleep?

Sleep quality is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. As we sleep our bodies heal and repair themselves and our immune systems get stronger. Sleep is particularly important for healthy brain function and hormonal balance.

How can I tell if I am sleep deprived?

Common signs of sleep deprivation include poor mood as well as impaired concentration and alertness. Long-term sleep deprivation is associated with higher risk of medical challenges including cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

How do I know that your methods will work for me / my family?

While each family circumstance is unique, sleep challenges tend to fall into a number of broad categories. My approach is based on the latest research into the science of sleep, and the solutions I suggest are evidence-based.

How long does the process usually take?

For infants and children, the process can take up to 3 or 4 weeks in total. For adults, we have typically found the process to take 4 to 8 weeks.

Isn’t sleep deprivation to be expected during the early years of parenting?

I consider sleep deprivation and the resulting state of perpetual exhaustion to be torture! It is an attack on your physical, mental and emotional health. Parenting is already hard enough! You and your family deserve better.

Will my child outgrow their poor sleep habits on their own? (child sleep support)

The first 5 years of a child’s life are critical for their brain development. Studies show that when left unaddressed, some sleep issues take until after age 5 to resolve, and even then some issues do not resolve themselves on their own, and that sleep deprived children are 4 times more likely to develop mood disorders in adolescence. They are also more likely to experience other health complications, including learning difficulties, a higher risk of obesity and a higher risk of hormonal imbalance. Consistent, high-quality sleep will be the cornerstone of your child’s physical, emotional, and neurological development.

Will I have to leave my child to cry it out? (child sleep support)

Not at all. As a parent myself, I fully understand the instinctive need to respond immediately to your child’s cries. Where appropriate, I will consider gentler options that help reduce tears. It also important to note that before children learn to speak, crying is a primary element of verbal communication. We must remember that not all cries signal distress, often cries of fatigue may immediately precede your child falling asleep.

Will my approach to parenting be respected? (child sleep support)

Of course! I have worked successfully with a broad range of parents and other caregivers with diverse perspectives, needs and wants. My role is not to intrude on your parenting style. My responsibility is simply to facilitate, providing advice and support, so that you can help your child sleep better. I will empower you with not just the science, but a deeper understanding of how to improve your child’s sleep.