TRAINING & EDUCATION
Chronic sleep deprivation can be particularly detrimental to the physical health of adults with additional needs, who may already face increased health risks. It can exacerbate physical conditions such as chronic pain and muscle weakness, and increase the risk of secondary health problems. Poor sleep can also lead to decreased mobility and physical independence, affecting daily activities and quality of life.
A lack of sleep can have a significant impact on the mental health of adults with additional needs, who may already struggle with emotional regulation and social functioning. It can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, and intensify symptoms of conditions such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Poor sleep can also make it more difficult for individuals with additional needs to communicate and engage in activities, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration.
“Sleep deprivation can lead
to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity.”
Sleep issues can even contribute to behavioural issues, including aggression and self-injury, which can be particularly challenging for care home workers to manage. It can also lead to an increased risk of falling and wandering, putting the safety of the individual and others at risk. Poor sleep can also make it more difficult for individuals with additional needs to participate in activities and routines, leading to decreased stimulation and quality of life.
It’s clear that healthy sleep is important to residents with additional needs, but what can be done in care homes to better support them?
CREATING A SLEEP-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT Care homes can promote better sleep by creating an
environment that is conducive to sleep, such as removing devices and additional clutter, keeping the space minimal and comfortable, and reducing noise levels and bright light exposure. Our bodies expect a natural temperature drop as we are asleep, so maintaining a comfortable temperature of 16-18 degrees Celsius is recommended.
Establishing a consistent routine both during the day and evening time will support in setting our natural body clock. Sticking with it us much more likely to have a positive long- term impact. Providing comfortable bedding and a calm bedtime routine can also be beneficial in promoting sleep.
IMPLEMENTING SLEEP HYGIENE PRACTICES Sleep hygiene practices, such as establishing regular sleep
and wake times, avoiding heavy meals close to bedtime, and limiting screen time before bed, can help individuals to achieve better sleep. Waking up at the same time every day, including weekends, will help to set the body’s internal clock and regulate the release of the right hormones at the correct
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times. Encouraging physical activity and exposure to natural light during the day can also help regulate sleep patterns
Be mindful of caffeinated drinks and foods. Caffeine can be found in a variety of supplements and food products where you wouldn’t expect to find it. We recommend stopping any caffeine intake at approximately 2pm. Any improvement in the quality or quantity of sleep, however small, can make a huge difference in residents’ wellbeing.
PROVIDING INDIVIDUALISED
SLEEP SUPPORT Ensuring that staff receive ongoing training and support is vital. Working with non-profit organisations, such as Sleep Scotland, to train your staff will give you access to sleep specialists who can provide invaluable support in developing effective, personalised sleep interventions.
Sleep Scotland’s newest training course, Sleep Counselling for Adults, is designed to provide health and social care professionals in a variety of settings with comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary to support and promote healthy sleep in adults with complex needs by applying cognitive and behavioural approaches in tailored interventions for a range of sleep issues.
Sleep Counselling for Adults is the first of its kind in the UK and marks the launch of Sleep Scotland’s first training course designed to support healthy sleep for adults. The training draws on Sleep Scotland’s twenty-five years of experience providing highly successful, well-respected, and in-demand training for professionals working throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
By promoting better sleep, care homes can help to improve behavioural outcomes for residents with additional needs. Better sleep can reduce the frequency and severity of aggressive behaviour, self-injury, and wandering, making care homes a safer and more peaceful environment. It can also improve participation in activities and routines, enhancing stimulation and overall quality of residents' lives.
Providing sleep support can also benefits care home staff. Better sleep outcomes can reduce the frequency and severity of challenging behaviours, making care homes a safer and less stressful environment for staff. Improved staff satisfaction and reduced turnover can also benefit care homes.
Sleep support is a crucial aspect of care for adults with additional needs in care homes, and it is important for care homes to make sleep support a priority. By prioritising sleep support, care homes can play a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of adults with additional needs in their care and enhance their reputation as a high-quality provider of care.
Sleep Scotland is the UK’s oldest sleep charity and leading provider of sleep support, training, and resources in the UK, having supported thousands of people to have healthy sleep. To learn more and to begin addressing the sleep-related issues impacting adults with additional needs, visit
bit.ly/SleepScotlandTraining or search ‘Sleep Scotland sleep counselling for adults’.
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