Sleep Supports

Sleep deprived kids and parents are not at their best! In fact, one person's lack of sleep can derail the entire family. The reality is that many kids who come into care have disrupted sleep patterns stemming from early trauma, disrupted attachments, mental health challenges, prenatal substance exposure and more. Help is on the way below! Please reference our Anxiety, Food Issues/Nutrition, Mindfulness, Play, Sensory Supports, Technology & Kids and Trauma pages for more resources.

"...we wonder, 'Are we ever going to get sleep?' And yet, it doesn't matter if you don't get sleep. It's an honor to take care of them." ~ Angelina Jolie, celebrity adoptive parent

Websites

Child Mind Institute: Sleep and en español
Pajama Program
Project Sleep
SleepforKids - many fun games & activities!
Slumberkins - so many books in our library, free resources for caregivers & kids!
- Slumberkins Sloth Starts to Slumber book + Slumber Sloth resources

Recommended Books & Articles

Sleep & Bedtime materials in ORPARC's Library

5 Bedtime Games by Hand in Hand
7 Ways to Stop Bedtime Battles with your Foster or Adopted Child by Hope Connections
Bedtime for Brave Cubs by Jessica Sinarski, author in ORPARC's library
The Bedtime Narrative for Kids Who Struggle With Sleep Anxiety by Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker, author in ORPARC's library
"Children slept over an hour more with mindfulness training, study finds" by Sandee Lamotte, CNN
Co-Sleeping & Adoption and Why We Did It by Jill Robbins
Helping Children with ADHD & ASD Sleep by Mattress Reviews.net
Helping Your Child to Sleep by Kent Post Adoption Service, UK
Honestly Adoption Company
- 11 Things Children Who Have Experienced Trauma Need the Most
- Dear Parent with a Second Bed in Your Room: You're doing the Right Thing
- How to Help Children with Sleep Issues
How Infant and Toddler's Media Use is Related to Sleeping by Bellagamba, et al, 2021
How to Help Kids Who Have Trouble Sleeping by Child Mind Institute and en español
Nighttime Anxiety & Sleep Disturbances: Putting Your Child's Worries to Bed by PlayWorks
Sleep by Mental Health America - many short articles
Sleep and Adoption by Dr. Julien Davies
Sleep and Anxiety: Feeling Safe and Secure at Bedtime by University Hospitals Plymouth
Sleep Issues with Adopted Children by Creating a Family
Sleep Issues and TBRI by Nurturing Change
Strategies for Better Sleep in Foster Care by Dr. Kendra Krietsch
Tips for Managing Foster Children's Bedtime Routines by Capstone Foster Care, UK
Trauma and Sleep by Sleep Foundation
Trauma, Body, Brain: How We Got Our Adopted Kids to Sleep Through the Night by Jenna, Alderton Media
Trauma-Informed Sleep Supports by Cindy Pilchuk, RN
The Ultimate Parent Guide to Resolving Nighttime Anxiety in Children by Dr. Lucy Russell
Want to Help Your Children Sleep Better? Do This. by Generation Mindful (GEN:M)
When Your Foster Child is Afraid of the Dark by 2Ingage
Why Adopted & Foster Children have Sleep Issues Part I and Part II by Lovin' Adoptin' & Autism
Why Are Teenagers So Sleep-Deprived? by Child Mind Institute - more articles and en español

Culturally specific

Sleep deprivation & disparities in health, economic & social wellbeing by Lauren Hale, TedTalk
Sleep Habits in Different Cultures Sleep Habits in Different Cultures by Alesandra Woolley
A Third of Kids Don't Get Enough Sleep, New CDC Report Reveals by Verywell Family
What is the Connection Between Racism & Sleep? by Project Sleep
What’s the Connection Between Race & Sleep Disorders? by Eric Suni & Dr. Abhinav Singh

Videos & Podcasts

Helping Your Child Overcome Nighttime Fears by Tamar Chansky - author in ORPARC's library (video)
The Rested Child with Dr. Chris Winters by The Snooze Button Podcast
TBRI®-related
- Bedtime and How to Handle Sleep by Cindy Lee, social worker - author in ORPARC's library (video)
- Effective Ways to Deal with Sleep Issues by Empowered to Connect & TBRI® (video)
Sleep: A Bedtime Story by AboutKidsHealth (video)
Sleep & Bedtime Stories - FREE by Storyberries (videos)
Sleep Problems In Autism - (article, podcast + video)

Sleepy Favorites

Generation Sleepless by by Heather Turgeon

Sleep Better! by V. Mark Durand

Sleep Wrecked Kids by Sharon Moore

A Dragon Needs His Sleep by Steve Herman

Casey Conquers Bedtime by Chaitra Wirta-Leiker

Naomi & the Secrets of Going to Sleep by Dr. Jonathan Kushnir

What to Do When You Dread Your Bed: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Problems With Sleep by Dawn Huebner