Sleeping Information for Children and Young People

Why is sleeping important?

Sleep is important for children’s overall wellbeing and development, because when children don’t get enough sleep it can affect their mood, ability to think, behaviour and their physical health. 

What services are out there to help children and young people with their sleep?

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust are working closely with North East Sleep Alliance who can support children and young people with sleep.

The service is available to children and young people who have additional health or development needs aged between 2½ and 18 years old.

For parents and carers needing sleep support for babies, this is provided by your local health visiting service.

What happens next?

Health visitors, school nurses, Daisy Chain family support team workers and GPs can request a child or young person is seen by the North East Sleep Alliance. You can also contact them directly yourself if you need help to manage your child’s sleep.

Children and Young People who have received help from the North East Sleep Alliance with little improvements to their sleep, can be referred to North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust by the sleep support worker to look at other ways to help with sleep.

How does the service help the child/young person?

Here you will be able to talk about sleep with a doctor. At this appointment the doctor may prescribe a medicine that is taken before bed to help with sleep. This medicine is called Melatonin and can help people to get into a regular sleep pattern.

The doctor can give you Melatonin tablets which can be swallowed, crushed or mixed with food and drinks. Like with all medicines, you can call 111 or your doctor if you start to experience side effects.

Please use the link below to find out more about Melatonin.

https://www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/medicines/melatonin-for-sleep-disorders/

What are the benefits of Melatonin tablets?

There are many benefits to swallowing, crushing and mixing Melatonin tablets with food and drinks.

Some of these are:

• Your are able to mix with food and drinks of your choice that are enjoyable.

• Better tasting compared with liquid medicines as there are less ingredients.

• Longer expiry date which means the tablets will keep for longer.

• Easier to store as they don’t need to be in a fridge.

• Tablets are cheaper than liquid so this saves the NHS money.

Please use the links below to find out more about swallowing, crushing and mixing medicines with food or drinks.

1. https://www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/advice-guides/giving-medicines/how-to-give-medicines-tablets/

2. https://nenc-healthiertogether.nhs.uk

Further help with sleep can be found at:

• North East Sleep Alliance –
  website: www.northeastsleepalliance.co.uk/

• NHS Sleep Problems –
  website: www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/sleep

• Hartlepool 0-19 Nursing Service
  Telephone: Tel: 01429 293888
  Website: www.nhs.uk/start4life

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]