News from Nurse Jess

As I’m nearing the completion of my studies to become a baby and child sleep consultant, the importance around sleep and the effect it can have on a child’s behaviour and enjoyment of their day becomes more and more evident. I know a lot of our students struggle with healthy sleep habits and for a lot of them it is a part of their chronic health conditions. Sleep can often be overlooked as an important factor but inadequate sleep can affect behaviour, ability to learn, mood, attention and overall functioning. I found a helpful article that discusses ways to promote healthy sleep habits for a child living with Autism. One of the important factors is establishing a regular bedtime routine that helps promote sleep. A calming wind down ritual is an important cue for bed time. A bath, massage, calming music and reading are all lovely ways to prepare the body for sleep. TV and device use should be avoided in the hour prior to bed as the light from devices and TV actually inhibits the production of melatonin the sleep hormone needed to promote sleep. Some children require extra help when it comes to sleep and that’s something important to discuss with your GP about what additional supplements they can provide to help encourage sleep for your child. 

Lastly thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our school community healthy and safe by keeping a child who is unwell at home. This is an important step in keeping us all healthy and well. 

Nurse Jess