Sleep Disruption Resources
What is Sleep Disruption?
A sign that the brain and body need extra support
Sleep disruption happens when a person struggles to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested after sleeping. This can look like difficulty settling at night, waking frequently, having irregular sleep cycles, or experiencing night terrors or vivid dreams. Sleep issues are not laziness or lack of routine, they’re often linked to sensory sensitivities, anxiety, medical conditions, medication effects, or neurological differences that make it harder for the brain and body to switch off. With understanding and tailored supports, better sleep is possible.
Sleep challenges look different for everyone
Some people have trouble falling asleep despite being exhausted. Others wake frequently through the night or wake very early. Night terrors or vivid dreams can interrupt sleep for some. Changes in routine, stress, or health can worsen sleep patterns. No two people experience sleep disruption the same way, so strategies must be personalised and supportive, never punitive.
Support should focus on comfort and calm
Forcing sleep or using punishment doesn’t work it increases anxiety and makes nights harder. Real support looks at the environment, sensory needs, emotional wellbeing, and body rhythms to gently guide better rest. With calm routines, sensory adjustments, and the right tools, individuals can achieve more peaceful, restorative sleep and feel more settled during the day.
Championing People with Sleep Challenges
We understand how exhausting sleep disruption can be for individuals and families. Our role is to create soothing, practical plans that help everyone feel safe and supported at bedtime.
Understanding the causes of sleep disruption
We explore medical, sensory, emotional, and environmental factors that may be impacting sleep.
Supporting emotional regulation at night
We teach calming strategies to manage nighttime anxiety, restlessness, or racing thoughts that make sleep difficult.
Creating calming, sensory-friendly sleep environments
We adapt lighting, noise levels, bedding, and room setup to make sleep spaces comfortable and secure.
Collaborating with healthcare professionals
We work with doctors and sleep specialists to check for medical issues and develop safe, effective sleep plans.
Developing gentle bedtime routines
We design predictable, low-stress evening routines that help signal to the brain and body it’s time to rest.
Helping families manage exhaustion
We guide carers in balancing rest, sharing responsibilities, and supporting their own wellbeing while addressing sleep issues.
How we can with Sleep Disruption
Whole Family Developmental Support →
Coaching for families to understand sleep challenges and routines
Practical strategies for creating calming, predictable bedtime habits
Guidance for carers to manage household stress caused by disrupted sleep
Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →
Assessments to evaluate how sleep disruption affects daily living
Recommendations for therapeutic, environmental, and medical supports
NDIS planning for interventions aimed at improving sleep quality
Skill-Building and Routine Support →
Coaching to develop independent bedtime skills
Structured visual aids and calming tools to support sleep onset
Practical routines for healthy sleep hygiene and self-settling
Positive Behaviour Support →
Behaviour plans addressing triggers that interfere with sleep
Gentle strategies to reduce night-time anxiety and restlessness
Training for carers and educators to respond to sleep-related behaviours
Psychology and Mental Health →
Therapy for managing stress, trauma, or anxiety affecting sleep
Techniques for emotional regulation and relaxation
Support for building positive bedtime associations and confidence
Regional Intensives →
In-home, hands-on support for sleep difficulties in rural areas
Guidance for carers to manage night waking and bedtime challenges
Collaboration with health professionals to ensure long-term solutions
Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.
Hear it from real families
“Before we understood what was really going on for J, every day felt like a struggle. Our support workers were doing their best, but nothing seemed to click. It often felt like we were all trying to push J into doing things, and the more we pushed, the more he shut down.
When Brooke and her team explained Autism & PDA to us, it was like someone finally turned the light on. We realised he wasn’t being difficult, he was doing everything he could to feel safe and in control.
With Brooke’s help, our whole approach changed. His support workers stopped trying to force things and started meeting him where he’s at by giving him time, space, and choices.
Now, J’s so much more relaxed. He actually wants to spend time with his workers because they see him for who he is. He laughs more, joins in on his own terms, and doesn’t feel like he has to mask or meet anyone else’s expectations.
It’s been incredible to watch him grow into himself, just by being accepted”
- J’s Mum
*Story and photo shared with permission. Not for reproduction.
Real people. Real experience.
Here for you.
We’re not just professionals — we’re people who get it.
Our team is proudly autistic-led, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience. We’ve sat on both sides of the table — as clinicians, as family members, and many of us as neurodivergent individuals ourselves.
We understand that life isn’t always neat or easy, and behaviour support should never feel like a judgement or try to change who you are.