Sleep is an important part of your child’s growth, development and overall wellbeing. If your child keeps waking up during the night, you may feel tired, worried and unsure whether this is a normal stage or something that needs more attention. Although night waking is common in childhood, frequent disruptions can affect your child’s mood, behaviour, concentration and daily routine.
Every child has their own individual sleep pattern, and you may notice changes as they grow. Developmental milestones, illness, anxiety, teething or changes to their daily routine can all lead to temporary sleep disturbances. In many cases, these phases improve with time, but understanding the possible causes can help you support healthier sleep habits.
Knowing why your child wakes during the night allows you to respond with confidence rather than frustration. Small changes to bedtime routines and sleep habits can often make a positive difference, while persistent sleep problems may benefit from professional advice. Understanding common childhood sleep patterns can help you recognise what is normal and when further advice may be helpful.
Why Does My Child Wake Up During the Night?
Your child’s sleep is made up of several sleep cycles rather than one long period of uninterrupted rest. As they move between lighter and deeper stages of sleep, it is normal for them to wake briefly during the night. Many children settle themselves back to sleep without fully waking, while others may call out or look for comfort.
During lighter sleep, you may notice your child moving, changing position or making small noises before drifting back to sleep. Some children develop the ability to self-soothe as they grow, while others need reassurance from a parent, particularly during periods of change or development.
Occasional night waking is usually a normal part of childhood and is not always a cause for concern. However, if your child wakes frequently, struggles to settle again or seems tired and irritable during the day, it may be worth exploring the underlying cause and considering whether they would benefit from additional support.
How Much Night Waking Is Normal?
The amount of night waking that is considered normal depends on your child’s age, stage of development and individual sleep needs. Babies often wake several times because their sleep cycles are shorter, and they may need feeding, comfort or help settling back to sleep. As your child gets older, they usually begin sleeping for longer stretches, although occasional waking can still happen.
Toddlers and older children may wake during the night for many different reasons, including dreams, illness, anxiety or changes to their routine. In most cases, they settle back to sleep quite quickly, especially if they feel safe and comfortable in their sleep environment.
If your child wakes only occasionally and returns to sleep without much difficulty, it is usually not a cause for concern. However, if night waking happens regularly, is difficult to manage or leaves your child tired during the day, it is worth looking at their overall sleep pattern rather than focusing on a single unsettled night.
How Age Affects Your Child’s Sleep Patterns
Your child’s sleep patterns naturally change as they grow, so the reasons for waking during the night often vary with age. Newborns and young babies commonly wake because they need feeding, comfort or are still learning the difference between day and night. These frequent wakings are a normal part of early development.
As your child becomes a toddler, you may notice sleep disruptions linked to separation anxiety, developmental milestones or changes in their daily routine. They may also begin testing their independence, making bedtime and night-time settling a little more challenging.
Older children are more likely to wake because of nightmares, worries, school-related stress or changes in their environment. Understanding what is typical for your child’s age can help you decide whether their night waking is part of normal development or whether it may be worth seeking further advice.
Common Reasons for Night Waking at Different Ages
| Age Group | Common Reasons for Waking During the Night |
| Newborns (0 to 3 months) | Feeding needs, shorter sleep cycles, needing comfort, developing day-night sleep patterns |
| Babies (4 to 12 months) | Hunger or night feeds in some babies, developmental changes, possible teething discomfort, changing sleep habits and separation anxiety |
| Toddlers (1 to 3 years) | Separation anxiety, sleep associations, independence, bedtime resistance, routine changes |
| Preschool Children (3 to 5 years) | Nightmares, fears, imagination, changes in routine, needing reassurance |
| School-Age Children | Worries, school-related stress, illness, environmental changes, anxiety |
| Teenagers | Stress, changing sleep rhythms, technology use, academic demands |
The Importance of a Consistent Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime routine helps your child recognise that it is time to relax and get ready for sleep. Following the same calming steps each evening creates a sense of security and makes the transition from a busy day to bedtime much easier. Over time, these familiar routines can encourage healthier sleep habits.
Your bedtime routine might include simple activities such as having a bath, changing into pyjamas, reading a story together or spending a few quiet minutes before lights out. Keeping the environment calm and avoiding stimulating activities can also help your child settle more easily.
It is also helpful to keep bedtime and wake-up times as consistent as possible, even at weekends. Small, gradual changes are often more successful than trying to change everything at once, giving your child time to adjust to a routine that supports better sleep.
Common Reasons Babies Wake at Night
It is very common for babies to wake during the night, especially in the first year of life. Their sleep cycles are shorter than those of older children, and they often wake because they need feeding, comfort or help settling back to sleep. In most cases, these wakings are a normal part of healthy development.
Hunger is one of the most common reasons younger babies wake because their small stomachs need regular feeds. Your baby may also wake if they need a nappy change, feel too hot or cold, or simply want the reassurance of a familiar voice or touch.
Developmental changes such as rolling, crawling or sitting can temporarily coincide with more unsettled sleep, although the precise reason is not always clear. These phases are often short-lived and may improve as your baby adjusts.
Why Toddlers Often Wake Up During the Night
Toddlers often experience night waking because they are going through important emotional and developmental changes. As your child becomes more independent, they may also seek extra comfort and reassurance, particularly during the night. It is common for sleep patterns to become less predictable during this stage.
Separation anxiety is one of the most common reasons toddlers wake and call for a parent. Your child may become upset when they realise you are no longer nearby, even if they settled well at bedtime. This is a normal part of development and usually improves as they grow in confidence.
Toddlers can also develop sleep associations that make it harder for them to settle independently. If your child usually falls asleep while being rocked, fed or with you sitting beside them, they may expect the same comfort each time they naturally wake during the night. Encouraging consistent bedtime routines can gradually help your child learn to settle back to sleep more independently.
Sleep Associations and Night Waking
A sleep association is something your child connects with falling asleep, such as a bedtime story, a familiar bedtime routine or your presence. An age-appropriate comfort object may help some older children, but soft toys and loose objects should not be placed in a baby’s cot.
Some older babies and children develop sleep associations that can make it more difficult for them to settle again after waking. For example, if your child usually falls asleep while being rocked or with you sitting beside them, they may look for the same support when they naturally wake between sleep cycles.
Feeding to sleep and night feeding can be normal and necessary in young babies. Do not delay or reduce feeds simply to encourage longer sleep. Respond to your baby’s feeding cues and ask your health visitor or paediatrician for advice if you are unsure about their feeding needs.
When it is appropriate for your child’s age and development, small and gradual changes to their settling routine may help them become more comfortable returning to sleep with less support.
Could Screen Time Affect Your Child’s Sleep?
Screen time can affect your child’s sleep, particularly if they use phones, tablets, televisions or gaming devices shortly before bedtime. These activities can keep your child mentally alert when they should be starting to relax. The light from screens may also interfere with the body’s natural sleep signals, making it harder to fall asleep.
If your child struggles to settle at night, reducing evening screen use and introducing a calm, predictable routine may support more consistent sleep. Replacing screens with calming activities, such as reading a book, listening to quiet music or talking about the day, can help your child unwind.
Physical Discomfort and Night Waking
Sometimes your child may wake during the night simply because they feel uncomfortable. Feeling too hot or cold, needing the toilet, being hungry or thirsty, or having an uncomfortable sleeping position can all interrupt their sleep. Checking these basic needs can often help your child settle more easily.
Physical conditions such as teething, colds, ear infections, eczema or allergies can also make it difficult for your child to stay asleep. If your child seems unusually restless or wakes more often than usual, it is worth considering whether an illness or another physical problem could be affecting their comfort.
If your child’s sleep suddenly changes without an obvious reason, think about whether there have been any recent changes to their health, routine or sleep environment. Addressing possible sources of discomfort may improve their sleep, but if the problem continues or you have any concerns about their health, it is sensible to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Illness and Health-Related Causes
When your child is unwell, it is common for their sleep to become disrupted. Coughs, colds, ear infections, sore throats and other illnesses can make it difficult for them to settle or stay asleep. In most cases, their sleep improves as they begin to recover.
Some children experience ongoing sleep disturbances because of underlying health conditions. If your child regularly wakes due to persistent discomfort, unusual breathing during sleep, loud snoring or excessive daytime tiredness, it is important to consider whether there may be a medical cause that needs further assessment.
It is helpful not to assume that frequent night waking is always related to behaviour or bedtime routines. If your child’s sleep problems continue, worsen or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, speaking with a healthcare professional can help identify any underlying issues and determine whether further investigation or treatment is needed.
Anxiety and Night-Time Fears
As your child grows, they become more aware of their emotions and the world around them. This increased awareness can sometimes lead to worries that appear at bedtime or during the night, making it harder for them to stay asleep. These fears are common and often become less intense as your child develops.
Your child may become anxious about the dark, being alone or imaginary situations, while older children might worry about school, friendships or changes at home. These thoughts can make it difficult for them to relax, even if they seemed happy during the day.
Encouraging your child to talk about their worries during the daytime can help them feel heard and reassured. Creating a calm, comforting bedtime routine and responding with patience can also help your child feel safe, making it easier for them to settle and sleep more peacefully.
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares and night terrors can both be upsetting, but they happen during different stages of sleep and usually require different responses. Nightmares generally occur during rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep and are more common later in the night. Your child will usually wake fully, may remember the dream and may seek reassurance.
Night terrors usually arise from deep non-REM sleep, often during the first few hours after your child falls asleep. Your child may cry, scream, move around or appear frightened, but they are not usually fully awake and often have no memory of the episode the following morning.
After a nightmare, calmly reassure your child and help them settle again. During a night terror, stay calm, remove nearby hazards and do not try to wake your child or restrain their movements unless you need to protect them or someone else from immediate injury. Seek medical advice if episodes are frequent, cause injury, involve unusual breathing or movements, or you are unsure whether they are night terrors.
How Daytime Activities Affect Night-Time Sleep
Your child’s daytime routine can influence how easily they settle and how well they sleep at night. Regular physical activity, time spent outdoors and exposure to natural daylight can help support a healthy body clock, making it easier for your child to feel sleepy at bedtime. A balanced daily routine can also improve the quality of their sleep.
Being overtired can sometimes have the opposite effect, making it harder for your child to settle and increasing the likelihood of waking during the night. Late or overly long naps may also reduce their sleepiness at bedtime, particularly as they get older and need less daytime sleep.
Creating a consistent routine throughout the day can encourage better sleep at night. By balancing activity, rest and regular meal times, you can help your child develop healthy sleep habits that support more restful nights and better daytime wellbeing.
Practical Ways to Support More Settled Sleep
Helping your child develop more settled sleep habits often involves small, consistent changes rather than quick fixes. Creating healthy sleep habits, maintaining a calming routine, and providing a comfortable sleep environment can support better rest over time.
- Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine: A predictable bedtime routine helps your child understand when it is time to relax and prepare for sleep.
- Maintain a Comfortable Sleep Environment: A quiet, comfortable, and calming bedroom can make it easier for your child to settle and stay asleep.
- Respond Calmly During Night Waking: Keeping interactions quiet, gentle, and reassuring can help your child return to sleep without becoming fully alert.
- Avoid Stimulating Activities at Night: Limiting exciting conversations, screens, or activities after waking can prevent further disruption to sleep.
- Adjust Based on Your Child’s Needs: Understanding your child’s individual sleep patterns allows you to make gradual changes that work best for your family.
Helping your child experience more settled nights usually takes patience, consistency and an approach that is appropriate for their age and needs. Small adjustments made over time can encourage healthier sleep habits and create more restful nights for both you and your child.
Key Things to Understand About Night Waking
Night waking is a common part of childhood and does not always mean there is a serious problem. Many children experience temporary sleep disruptions during periods of growth, development or changes in their routine. In most cases, these phases improve with time and consistent sleep habits.
However, if your child wakes frequently, struggles to settle back to sleep or seems unusually tired, irritable or unable to concentrate during the day, it may be a sign that they need additional support. Looking at the pattern of their sleep over several weeks can often provide more useful information than focusing on a single difficult night.
Understanding your child’s individual sleep pattern is the first step towards finding practical solutions. By identifying possible triggers and responding consistently, you can help your child develop healthier sleep habits while recognising when it may be appropriate to seek professional advice.
When Should You Speak to a Healthcare Professional?
You should consider speaking to a healthcare professional if your child’s sleep difficulties continue for several weeks, regularly disrupt family life or leave your child feeling unusually tired during the day. While occasional night waking is normal, persistent sleep problems may benefit from a professional assessment to identify any underlying cause.
It is especially important to seek medical advice if your child experiences symptoms such as loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, persistent pain, unusual movements, frequent night-time coughing or excessive daytime sleepiness. These signs may indicate an underlying health condition that requires further investigation.
A healthcare professional can assess your child’s sleep pattern, discuss possible causes and recommend appropriate management or further support if needed. Seeking advice early can help address any underlying issues and support healthier, more restful sleep for both your child and your family.
Clinical Tip
Keep a sleep diary recording bedtime, waking episodes, snoring, unusual movements and daytime tiredness. This information can help a healthcare professional understand your child’s sleep pattern.
Call 999 if your child is struggling severely to breathe, has lips, tongue, face or skin that turn blue or grey, becomes floppy or cannot be woken, or is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Call 999 if your child is having a seizure for the first time, if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if another seizure begins before they have recovered from the first one. Follow your child’s individual emergency care plan if they have a diagnosed condition and you have been told what to do.
Helping Your Child Feel Secure at Bedtime
Children often sleep better when they feel safe, comfortable and emotionally secure. A calm bedtime routine and a familiar sleep environment can help your child relax and feel more confident at the end of the day. Feeling secure before sleep often makes it easier for your child to settle and stay asleep.
Offering reassurance, following a predictable bedtime routine and responding calmly if your child wakes during the night can help build positive sleep habits. Taking a few quiet moments to read together, talk about the day or offer a comforting cuddle can also help your child feel settled before bedtime.
The goal is not to remove all sources of comfort but to gradually encourage your child to settle independently. With patience, consistency and gentle support, you can help your child develop the confidence they need to enjoy more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
Common Parental Challenges When Managing Sleep
Managing repeated night waking can be exhausting, especially when you are also trying to balance work, family life and other responsibilities. It is completely understandable to feel frustrated when your child continues to wake despite your best efforts. Improving sleep often takes time, and progress is not always immediate.
You may find yourself questioning whether you are using the right approach or worrying that you are doing something wrong. Every child responds differently, so a strategy that works for one family may not have the same results for another. Being flexible while maintaining a consistent routine can often lead to gradual improvements.
Patience, consistency and realistic expectations are key when helping your child develop healthier sleep habits. Celebrating small improvements and focusing on long-term progress can make the process feel more manageable for both you and your child.
How Sleep Supports Childhood Development
Sleep plays a vital role in your child’s growth, learning and overall wellbeing. While they sleep, their body and brain work together to support physical development, strengthen memory and process everything they have experienced during the day. Good-quality sleep also helps your child regulate their emotions and maintain healthy energy levels.
When your child does not get enough restful sleep, you may notice changes in their mood, behaviour or ability to concentrate. They may become more irritable, feel tired during the day or find it harder to cope with everyday challenges at home or school. Ongoing insufficient or disrupted sleep may also affect your child’s daytime functioning and daily routine.
Supporting healthy sleep habits is one practical way to promote your child’s health, learning and emotional wellbeing. By encouraging a consistent bedtime routine and creating a positive sleep environment, you can help your child enjoy the restorative sleep they need to grow, learn and thrive.
Evidence Note
A systematic review published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism found that longer sleep duration in school-aged children and young people was generally associated with outcomes such as better emotional regulation, academic achievement and quality of life. However, much of the available evidence was observational, so these findings show associations rather than proving that sleep duration alone caused each outcome.
Every Child Has Different Sleep Needs
Every child is unique, and there is no single sleep routine that works perfectly for everyone. Some babies and children begin sleeping for longer stretches earlier than others, while some continue to wake for feeding, comfort or other age-appropriate needs. Your child’s sleep needs and patterns will change as they grow and reach different stages of development.
It can be tempting to compare your child’s sleep with that of friends, siblings or other children, but this often leads to unnecessary worry. What matters most is whether your child is getting enough good-quality sleep to support their growth, learning and overall wellbeing.
Instead of focusing on comparisons, pay attention to your child’s own sleep patterns, behaviour and energy levels. Understanding what is normal for your child can help you recognise when their sleep is meeting their needs and when it may be worth seeking additional advice or support.
Creating the Right Sleep Environment
A comfortable sleep environment can make it easier for your child to settle. Keep the bedroom at a comfortable temperature, reduce unnecessary noise and use dim lighting before bedtime. For babies, use a firm, flat mattress and keep the cot clear of pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose bedding, soft toys and other objects that could cover their face or contribute to overheating.
A peaceful bedroom helps your child associate their sleeping space with rest rather than play or stimulation. Limiting distractions, such as bright lights, loud sounds or electronic devices, can make it easier for your child to unwind and prepare for sleep each evening.
Small adjustments to your child’s sleep environment can have a positive impact, especially when combined with a consistent bedtime routine. By creating a space that feels calm, comfortable and predictable, you can help your child develop healthy sleep habits and enjoy more restful nights.
Helping Your Child Settle After Waking
When your child wakes during the night, the way you respond can influence how quickly they settle back to sleep. Keeping the room dark, speaking in a calm, quiet voice and avoiding stimulating activities can help reinforce that night-time is for sleeping. A gentle and consistent approach often helps your child feel secure without becoming fully alert.
If your child needs reassurance, try to keep your interactions brief and soothing rather than starting conversations or turning on bright lights. This can help your child relax and return to sleep more easily while maintaining a calm sleep environment.
Over time, responding consistently may help your child learn that brief night waking is a normal part of sleep and does not always require prolonged attention. With patience and routine, many children gradually become more confident in settling themselves back to sleep.
Why Patience Matters When Improving Sleep
Improving your child’s sleep is usually a gradual process rather than an overnight change. Some children adapt to new bedtime routines quite quickly, while others need more time to feel comfortable with different sleep habits. Being patient allows your child to adjust at their own pace without adding unnecessary pressure.
It is also normal to experience setbacks from time to time. Illness, holidays, developmental milestones or changes in your child’s routine can temporarily disrupt their sleep, even after they have been sleeping well. These periods are often short-lived and do not necessarily mean that your progress has been lost.
Staying consistent with your approach can help your child build healthy sleep habits over time. By responding calmly and maintaining realistic expectations, you can support your child through these changes and encourage more settled, restful nights in the long term.
Getting Support for Ongoing Sleep Difficulties
If your child continues to wake frequently despite consistent bedtime routines and healthy sleep habits, it may be helpful to seek professional advice. Ongoing sleep difficulties can be challenging for both you and your child, and getting support can help you better understand what may be affecting their sleep.
A healthcare professional can assess your child’s sleep pattern, discuss any symptoms or concerns, and recommend strategies based on their age, health and stage of development. They can also identify whether any underlying medical or behavioural factors may be contributing to the problem.
Seeking advice does not necessarily mean there is a serious underlying condition. In many cases, it simply provides reassurance, practical guidance and a personalised plan to help your child develop healthier sleep habits and enjoy more restful nights.
Myth vs Fact
| Myth | Fact |
| A child waking at night always means something is wrong | Occasional night waking is common, especially during development or routine changes |
| Children who are tired always look sleepy | Some children become restless, emotional or more active when overtired |
| Good sleep happens naturally for every child | Many children benefit from consistent routines and support |
| Soft toys and pillows help babies feel secure in their cot | A baby’s cot should be clear of soft toys, pillows, loose bedding and other objects that may cover their face or increase overheating risk |
Key Takeaways
- Night waking is common in childhood and does not always indicate a problem.
- Sleep patterns naturally change as children grow.
- Developmental milestones, illness, anxiety and routines can affect sleep.
- Consistent bedtime habits may support healthier sleep patterns.
- Persistent night waking with symptoms such as breathing problems or excessive daytime tiredness should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
- Babies need an age-appropriate, clear and safe sleep space without pillows, loose bedding or soft toys.
- Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips or skin, unresponsiveness with abnormal breathing, a first seizure, a seizure lasting longer than five minutes, or repeated seizures without recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can you tell if your child’s night waking is normal?
It is normal for children to wake briefly during the night as they move through different sleep cycles. If your child settles back to sleep easily and is happy and alert during the day, there is usually no cause for concern. However, if they wake frequently, struggle to fall back asleep or seem unusually tired during the day, it may be worth seeking advice.
2. Can changes in your child’s routine affect their sleep?
Yes, even small changes to your child’s daily routine can temporarily affect their sleep. Holidays, starting nursery or school, illness or changes at home may all lead to more frequent night waking. Keeping bedtime and wake-up times as consistent as possible can help your child adjust more easily.
3. What are sleep associations, and why do they matter?
Sleep associations are cues your child connects with falling asleep, such as being rocked, having you nearby or following a particular routine. In older babies and children, some associations may make it harder to settle after natural night waking. However, night feeds and feeding to sleep may still be normal or necessary for young babies, so you should not reduce feeds simply to encourage longer sleep.
4. Could your child’s bedroom environment be affecting their sleep?
Yes, the sleep environment can make a difference to how well your child rests. A bedroom that is too hot, too cold, noisy or brightly lit may make it harder for them to settle or stay asleep. Creating a calm, comfortable space can help support healthier sleep habits.
5. How should you respond when your child wakes during the night?
Try to stay calm and keep your interactions quiet and reassuring. Avoid turning on bright lights or starting stimulating conversations, as these can make it harder for your child to settle again. Responding consistently each night can help reinforce healthy sleep habits over time.
6. Can daytime habits influence how well your child sleeps at night?
Yes, your child’s daytime routine can have a big impact on their sleep. Regular physical activity, exposure to natural daylight and balanced nap times can all support better sleep at night. Children who become overtired may actually find it harder to stay asleep.
7. How long does it take to improve your child’s sleep habits?
Every child is different, so there is no set timeframe for improvement. Some children respond to routine changes relatively quickly, while others may need several weeks of consistent support. Being patient and applying realistic changes consistently may support gradual improvement.
8. Should you be worried if your child suddenly starts waking more often?
A sudden increase in night waking can sometimes happen during illness, developmental milestones or periods of stress. It can be helpful to think about whether anything has recently changed in your child’s health or routine. If the waking continues or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you should speak to a healthcare professional.
9. What signs suggest your child may need a medical assessment?
You should consider seeking medical advice if your child’s sleep problems persist, affect their daily life or are linked with symptoms such as breathing difficulties, persistent pain, unusual movements during sleep or excessive daytime tiredness. A healthcare professional can assess possible underlying causes and recommend appropriate support. Early advice can also provide reassurance if there is no serious problem.
10. Why is good-quality sleep so important for your child?
Good-quality sleep supports your child’s physical growth, emotional wellbeing, learning and memory. When your child sleeps well, they are often better able to concentrate, manage their emotions and cope with everyday activities. Encouraging healthy sleep habits can have lasting benefits for their overall development and wellbeing.
Final Thoughts: Helping Your Child Sleep More Peacefully
If your child keeps waking up at night, it is natural to feel concerned, especially when disrupted sleep begins to affect your whole family’s wellbeing. In many cases, however, night waking is a normal part of childhood and may be linked to developmental milestones, temporary illness, emotional changes or everyday routines. By understanding what may be affecting your child’s sleep, you can make informed changes that encourage healthier sleep habits over time.
Small, consistent changes to your child’s bedtime routine and sleep environment may support healthier sleep patterns over time. Keeping bedtime predictable, responding calmly to night waking and supporting age-appropriate settling skills can all contribute to more settled sleep. If you need a trusted paediatrician for sleep problems in children in London, get in touch with us at London Paediatric Clinic.
References:
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- Magee, L., Goldsmith, L.P., Chaudhry, U.A.R., Donin, A.S., Wahlich, C., Stovold, E., Nightingale, C.M., Rudnicka, A.R. and Owen, C.G. (2022) ‘Nonpharmacological interventions to lengthen sleep duration in healthy children: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, JAMA Pediatrics, 176(11), pp. 1084–1097. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9468945/
- NHS (2025) ‘Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)’. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids/
- British Thoracic Society (2023) British Thoracic Society guideline for diagnosing and monitoring paediatric sleep-disordered breathing. Available at: https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/clinical-resources/guidelines/paediatric-sleep-disordered-breathing/
- Chaput, J-P., Gray, C.E., Poitras, V.J., Carson, V., Gruber, R., Olds, T., Weiss, S.K., Connor Gorber, S., Kho, M.E., Sampson, M., Belanger, K., Eryuzlu, S., Callender, L. and Tremblay, M.S. (2016) ‘Systematic review of the relationships between sleep duration and health indicators in school-aged children and youth’, Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 41(6 Suppl. 3), pp. S266–S282. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27306433/
- NHS (2023) ‘What to do if someone has a seizure (fit)’. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/what-to-do-if-someone-has-a-seizure-fit/
- NHS (2025) ‘Helping your baby to sleep’. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/helping-your-baby-to-sleep/