The Calm in the Complicated

The Night Shift: Helping children with brain conditions sleep better

Published: 2 June 2026 at 06:00 Europe/London

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Episode notes

Sleep can feel impossible when you’re raising a child with a brain condition, and when nobody in the house is sleeping, the impact reaches every part of family life. In this episode, Carrie and Sam explore the reality of chronic sleep deprivation in SEND families, from bedtime battles and sensory sensitivities to exhaustion, anxiety and the strain it can place on the whole household.

Joined by Inneke Woods, who leads Cerebra’s Sleep Service, the conversation offers compassionate, practical advice for families navigating disrupted nights and overwhelming routines. Together they unpack why traditional sleep advice often doesn’t work for children with brain conditions, and why personalised, realistic support matters so much.

The episode covers:

Why sleep challenges are so common for children with brain conditions
Sensory sensitivities around noise, light, clothing and routines
Managing anxiety, overstimulation and emotional regulation at bedtime
The impact of sleep deprivation on parents, siblings and relationships
Co-sleeping, bedtime dependency and navigating family dynamics
Screens, white noise and creating personalised sleep environments
Aggression, burnout and the wider emotional toll of chronic exhaustion
Why “small wins” matter and how families can find support without judgement

You’ll also hear honest experiences from parents in the community, including the realities of epilepsy, shared sleeping arrangements, sibling needs and adapting family life around survival mode. A reassuring and deeply validating episode for any parent feeling isolated by sleep struggles.

Helpful organisations and resources mentioned include:

Cerebra – support, guides and resources for families of children with brain conditions (cerebra.org.uk)

Cerebra Sleep Service

Cerebra Sleep Seminars and Workshops

The Count Me In Lottery

Connect with us:

Find out more: cerebra.org.uk

Get in touch: [email protected]