Northamptonshire (West)

ASK

• “How have you been sleeping lately?”
• “Do you feel rested when you wake up?”
• “Is anything in particular making sleep difficult for you?”
• Keep it brief, friendly and open.

ASSESS

• Build a quick understanding of what’s going on:
• Routine: “Do you tend to go to bed and wake up at similar times?”
• Environment: noise, light, temperature, screens.
• Lifestyle factors: caffeine, alcohol, heavy meals late at night.
• Stress or wellbeing: worries, mood, pain, caring responsibilities.
• Impact: “Is this affecting your day-to-day life?”
• Avoid judgement. You only need a light sense of the situation, not a full assessment.

ACT

• Support them to identify one or two small, achievable steps:
• Keeping consistent sleep and wake times
• Reducing screens before bed
• Calming bedtime routine (warm drink, reading, low lighting)
• Cooler, darker bedroom environment
• Speaking to a GP/pharmacist if pain, medication side effects, menopause or long-term sleep issues are involved
• Offer to signpost, not fix.

Conversation tips

• Why Sleep Matters?
  • Poor sleep affects mood, concentration, immunity, healthy weight, and long-term health.
  • Many adults struggle with sleep due to stress, shift work, pain, caring roles, or poor routines.
• Normalise the issue: “Lots of people struggle with sleep at times.”
• Stay empathetic and brief.
• Let them choose what feels doable.
• Reinforce small steps rather than complete lifestyle overhaul.

Resources

• Northamptonshire Talking Therapies (NHS): free support for stress, anxiety or low mood that affects sleep.
• GP Practice / Community Pharmacy: for persistent sleep issues, pain, medication concerns or menopause-related problems.
• West Northamptonshire Council, Together Trust - Northamptonshire Sleep Service: for 2yrs-18yrs old
• West Northamptonshire Health & Wellbeing Hub: safe sleep for babies
• NHS Sleep Advice (adults)
• Every Mind Matters – Sleep Tips
• The Sleep Charity – Helpline & Resources
• NHS Healthier Together – advice & guidance for 5yrs-12yrs