09/29/2026
Sleep challenges can be complicated. Two children may be struggling with the same thing—difficulty falling asleep, bedtime battles, night wakings—but for very different reasons.
That’s why understanding what may be influencing a child’s sleep is often an important first step in deciding what to try.
As I prepared for an upcoming presentation at the Alabama Early Intervention and Preschool Conference, I created a new resource for professionals who support children and families: the Professional Framework for Exploring Sleep Concerns.
The framework helps professionals start with the family’s concern, explore the whole sleep picture, identify strengths and possible contributing factors, and guide families toward manageable next steps. It also includes guidance for supporting change, troubleshooting when things aren’t improving, and recognizing when additional or specialized support would be helpful.
Whether you’re an early intervention provider, educator, therapist, healthcare provider, or another professional supporting children and families, you don’t have to be a sleep expert to provide meaningful support. Understanding what may be affecting sleep can help you focus on the areas that fit within your role and recognize when additional expertise may be needed.
The Professional Framework for Exploring Sleep Concerns is available free on the RESTED Families website: https://restedfamilies.com/page/professional-sleep-framework
