Support if you are having sleep problems
If you're a carer and you're having difficulties with sleep, get tips and find out about support available.
About sleep and tiredness
See the NHS website for information about the causes of tiredness.
Ways to sleep better
Get tips on how to get to sleep on the NHS website.
Getting help with sleep problems if you're a carer
- Have a carer's assessment as this can look at how much sleep you get and may be able to help paying for overnight care support workers.
- Talk to your GP if you are concerned about your sleep. It is a good idea to tell them you are a carer.
- Get in touch with your local carer service. They may be able to offer you support and give you a chance to talk to other carers who are in a similar situation. Some local carer services offer workshops to help carers with sleep.
Getting help overnight if you need help during the night
Could friends of family take over your caring role overnight, either occasionally or more regularly?
Find out about paid, trained carer support workers who can sleep at your home overnight and take over the caring role. Get in touch with a local carer service to see if they can help. There are also other companies that supply paid care workers.
The needs of both the carer and the person they care for will be assessed and regularly reviewed to ensure the service is tailored to the needs of both you and the person you care for. This service is available to people of all ages, and with a range of disabilities and health conditions.
Telecare equipment that can wake you if needed
There are many telecare systems that could alert you if the person you care for needs help.
You may sleep better if you know that you will be woken if you are needed. These include alarms that will automatically go off and can tell you if someone has:
- fallen over, or
- had a seizure, or
- has got out of bed or gone through a door.
You can discuss telecare during your carer's assessment to see if it could help you and the person you care for.
Find your local carer service
Disclaimer
The UK is in the process of transitioning landlines to a new digital system, which could impact telecare devices and personal alarms. This change will be rolled out gradually and is expected to be completed by January 2027. Your telephone service provider should inform you ahead of the switch. However, it's advisable to reach out to the supplier of any telecare equipment you use to ensure compatibility with the new system or to find out if any updates or upgrades are necessary.