This page brings together NHS and specialist videos to help parents and carers understand and support sleep in children and young people, including those with autism and learning disabilities. The resources explain how sleep works, why sleep difficulties can occur, and practical strategies to improve sleep. Topics include anxiety, sensory needs, bedtime routines, sleep environments and changes that parents can make to support healthy sleep habits and overall wellbeing.
Start with these short videos
The following introductory videos explain sleep and ways to support young people with learning disabilities or autism:
This video explains what happens during sleep, why sleep matters and how sleep difficulties can affect young people. To watch this video, please visit: Vimeo - Understanding sleep and sleep difficulties
This video explores key points and tips about improving sleep. To watch this video, please visit: Vimeo - Ideas to help improve sleep
Sleep difficulties: video series
The following collection of videos was created by the Department of Clinical Psychology at the Royal Derby Hospital. The original guidance recommends watching the chapters in order when you first use the series. You can return to individual topics later.
This video introduces the basics of sleep, including why we need it and how it supports children's health, learning and wellbeing. To watch this video, please visit: YouTube - Chapter 1: What is sleep? (NHS)
This video explores the sleep difficulties autistic young people may face. To watch this video, please visit: YouTube - Chapter 2: Sleep difficulties in autistic young people (NHS)
This video explores reasons autistic young people may have problems with sleep. To watch this video, please visit: YouTube - Chapter 3: Why sleep can be difficult (NHS)
This video explores how improving social understanding may help with sleep problems. To watch this video, please visit: YouTube - Chapter 4: Understanding social situations and sleep (NHS)
This video explores reducing anxiety to help improve sleep. To watch this video, please visit: YouTube - Chapter 5: Anxiety and sleep (NHS)
This video explores sensory needs in relation to sleep. To watch this video, please visit: YouTube - Chapter 6: Sensory needs and sleep (NHS)
This video explores changes to the environment that may help with sleep. To watch this video, please visit: YouTube - Chapter 7: Changes to the sleeping environment (NHS)
This video explores changes parents can make to help young people sleep better. To watch this video, please visit: YouTube - Chapter 8: Changes parents can make (NHS)