Wicklow CYPSC Launch Detailed Project Underlining Importance Of Sleep For Children

A multi-agency response to concerns about the negative impact of poor sleep habits to the overall well being of children and young people. The Sleep Project supported by Healthy Ireland funding has developed two short videos, ‘How to get the best sleep?’ and the ‘Benefits of Sleep’

A new health initiative has been launched in County Wicklow aimed at tackling rising sleep issues among children and young people.

Wicklow’s Children and Young People's Services Committee, supported by Healthy Ireland, has unveiled The Sleep Project designed to build healthier sleep routines.

Wicklow Sleep Project - CYPSC Foroige 

The project was developed after local services raised issues with concentration, mood, memory and school attendance.

Young people from the Foróige Way Project in Rathnew helped create a series of short videos explaining the benefits of good sleep and how to achieve it.

All the resources are now available on the Wicklow CYPSC website and will be shared with schools and across social media in the coming weeks.

Fionnuala Curry — is Coordinator of Wicklow Children and Young People’s Services Committee

She told East Coast FM news why this development has taken place...

"The project itself arises from concerns across the board from services that connect with SIPC, where they’re worried about poor sleep habits and the impact that has on young people and children. We’re talking about things like poor concentration, memory impairment, mood problems, higher risk-taking behaviours, and these can then lead to things like poor school attendance. So it’s a really significant issue that this project is trying to address. We wanted to take a child and youth participation approach to this, and thankfully the young people from the Foróige Way Project in Rathnew got involved. They helped produce short videos on how to get the best sleep and the benefits of sleep, along with a parent tip sheet and a fridge magnet. The children’s voices bring a fabulous energy to the project and are really trying to encourage their parents and guardians in how they can help them get the best sleep, which is critical for their learning, health, and wellbeing."

Ms. Curry also outlines some recommendations from the new plan for better sleep:

"The resources we’ve developed focus on creating a really good sleep schedule and bedtime routine for children and young people. They give advice on how many hours of sleep are needed at different ages, the importance of winding down before bed, and reducing stress or worries that might interfere with sleep. We also talk about limiting screens, caffeine, sugary drinks, and creating a calm, dark, and comfortable sleeping environment. There’s learning here for both adults and children, because healthy sleep habits benefit the whole family. By sharing these resources through videos, tip sheets, and even social media, we hope to make it easier for parents and guardians to support their children and young people in getting the restorative sleep they need for learning, wellbeing, and overall growth."