Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
How do I know if my child needs a sleep consultant?
If your child’s sleep difficulties are affecting their daily life, your wellbeing, or your family as a whole … it’s worth reaching out. Signs include difficulty settling at bedtime, frequent night waking, early rising, resistance to sleep, or a child who will only sleep with a parent present. You don’t need to be at a crisis point to ask for help. Many families come to me simply wanting guidance before problems become ingrained habits.
What happens in the free 15-minute consultation call?
This is a relaxed, no-pressure chat where I get to know a little about your child and what’s been happening with their sleep. There’s no commitment required … it’s simply an opportunity for you to ask questions, for me to understand your situation and to explore whether Sweet Dreamz is the right fit for your family. I will also talk through which package might suit you best.
Do I need to complete a sleep diary before we start?
I may ask you to complete a sleep diary before your consultation. This helps me build a detailed picture of your child’s sleep patterns, routines and any factors that might be contributing to the difficulties. Don’t worry if this feels daunting … I will guide you through it and it doesn’t need to be complicated.
How quickly can we get started?
I aim to respond to all enquiries promptly and will do my best to arrange your free call as quickly as possible. Once you’ve chosen a package, your full assessment and personalised sleep plan will be created and delivered as swiftly as possible. I understand that when your family isn’t sleeping, every night matters.
About The Service
What ages do you support?
Sweet Dreamz supports children and young people from newborn right through to 25 years of age. This includes babies, toddlers, school-age children, teenagers and young adults. I also specialise in supporting children and young people with SEND and complex needs, where sleep difficulties are often more pronounced and require a more tailored approach.
Do you support children with SEND or additional needs?
Yes … I have over 25 years of experience working with children and young people with a wide range of additional needs, disabilities, and complex conditions. Sleep difficulties are extremely common in children with SEND and a standard approach often doesn’t work. I tailor every sleep plan to the individual child, taking into account their specific needs, sensory profile, communication and any relevant medical or therapeutic factors.
Do you offer face-to-face support or is everything online?
I offer both! Families based in Herefordshire can choose either online or face-to-face home visits, which I personally carry out locally. For families further afield, I offer a full online Sleep Clinic through video consultation … meaning families across the UK can access the same high-quality support from the comfort of their own home.
What does a personalised sleep plan include?
Your personalised sleep plan is created specifically for your child and your family … there are no generic templates. It will include a detailed assessment of your child’s current sleep patterns and difficulties, recommended bedtime routines, guidance on sleep environment, age-appropriate strategies for settling and night waking and clear, practical steps to follow. It is written in a simple format and designed to feel manageable from day one. It is flexible and can be adapted at any time if something is not working.
Will you use 'cry it out' methods?
No. Sweet Dreamz takes a gentle, child-centred approach to sleep support. I do not advocate for harsh or distressing methods. The strategies are evidence-based, compassionate and always tailored to the age, temperament and needs of your individual child. I work with you to find an approach that feels right for your family … because a plan you feel comfortable with is a plan you’ll be able to follow consistently.
Is your approach evidence-based?
Yes, absolutely. Everything I do is underpinned by the latest sleep science, research and safer sleep guidelines. I am trained with Sleep Scotland, Solent NHS Healthcare, The Sleep Charity and The Sleep Consultant Academy … all organisations at the forefront of children’s sleep research and practice. I am also committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring my knowledge and methods remain current, relevant and aligned with the best available evidence.
What types of sleep problems can you help with?
Sweet Dreamz can help with a wide range of sleep difficulties across all ages, including but not limited to: difficulty settling at bedtime or prolonged bedtime battles; frequent night waking; early morning waking; co-sleeping and transitioning to independent sleep; nap difficulties and nap transitions; sleep regression; overtiredness and irregular sleep patterns; sleep difficulties associated with SEND, autism, ADHD, sensory needs, anxiety, or trauma; and sleep difficulties in looked-after children or those with complex needs. If you’re unsure whether I can help with your specific situation, get in touch … I am always happy to have a chat.
How long does it take to see results?
Every child is different, so timescales will vary. However, most families begin to see meaningful improvements within two to four weeks of consistently following their personalised sleep plan. Some families notice changes within just a few days; others, particularly those with more complex needs, may need a little longer. What matters most is consistency … small, steady steps lead to lasting change. I will be with you throughout the process, helping you stay on track and adjusting the plan if needed.
Packages & Pricing
Which package is right for us?
This is exactly what your free consultation call is for! As a general guide: the Moonbeam package is designed for expectant parents and newborns up to 8 weeks; the Twilight package suits families who’d like a plan to follow independently; the Starlight package includes two weeks of follow-up support; and the Moonlight package offers the most comprehensive support with three weeks of follow-up and a check-in call. If you’re unsure, get in touch … I am always happy to talk it through.
Can I add extra support after my package ends?
Yes, additional support can be purchased at any time. Options include one week of online or text support (£80), one week of support plus a phone call (£99), and individual phone calls during the day or evenings and weekends. I never want a family to feel unsupported, so extra help is always available if you need it.
Do you offer any guarantee?
I am fully committed to giving every family my very best support and my plans are typically successful when followed consistently. However, because every child and every set of circumstances is unique, I am unable to guarantee specific outcomes or offer money-back guarantees. What I can guarantee is that you will always receive compassionate, expert and personalised support throughout your journey with me.
How do I pay?
Payment details will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please feel free to ask about payment options during your free consultation call … I am happy to discuss what works best for you.
For Professionals & Referrers
Can I refer a family to Sweet Dreamz?
Absolutely. I welcome referrals from GPs, health visitors, paediatricians, school SENCOs, social workers, occupational therapists and any other professionals working with children and families. The easiest way to refer is to share my contact details with the family directly or to get in touch with me to discuss a specific case. I am happy to liaise with other professionals involved in a child’s care where appropriate and with the family’s consent.
What are Karen's qualifications and experience?
I am a fully certified Level 3-6 Children’s Sleep Consultant Practitioner, trained by Sleep Scotland, Solent NHS Healthcare, The Sleep Charity and The Sleep Consultant Academy. I have over 25 years of experience working with children, young people and families across health, education, and social care … including developing and managing a national sleep service for a national charity. I hold up-to-date training and am committed to ongoing continuing professional development. I also hold an enhanced DBS and fully insured.
Do you work with Looked After Children, residential children's homes or care settings?
Yes. I have experience supporting children in residential and care settings, including looked-after children with SEMH needs, trauma and complex sleep difficulties. If you are a residential provider or care organisation interested in working with Sweet Dreamz, please get in touch to discuss how I can support the children in your care.
Can you work alongside other therapists or health professionals?
Yes … and I actively encourage a joined-up approach wherever possible. I am experienced in multidisciplinary working and happy to liaise with occupational therapists, paediatricians, CAMHS, school staff and other professionals to ensure the sleep plan complements and supports any other interventions already in place for the child.
Let’s talk about Better Sleep
Whether you’re ready to book or just want to find out more, we’d love to hear from you. There’s no pressure and no commitment.
