Sleep can feel impossible when you’re raising a child with a brain condition, and when nobody in the house is sleeping, the impact reaches every part of family life. In this episode, Carrie and Sam explore the reality of chronic sleep deprivation in SEND families, from bedtime battles and sensory sensitivities to exhaustion, anxiety and the strain it can place on the whole household.Joined by Inneke Woods, who leads Cerebra’s Sleep Service, the conversation offers compassionate, practical advice for families navigating disrupted nights and overwhelming routines. Together they unpack why traditional sleep advice often doesn’t work for children with brain conditions, and why personalised, realistic support matters so much.The episode covers:Why sleep challenges are so common for children with brain conditionsSensory sensitivities around noise, light, clothing and routinesManaging anxiety, overstimulation and emotional regulation at bedtimeThe impact of sleep deprivation on parents, siblings and relationshipsCo-sleeping, bedtime dependency and navigating family dynamicsScreens, white noise and creating personalised sleep environmentsAggression, burnout and the wider emotional toll of chronic exhaustionWhy “small wins” matter and how families can find support without judgementYou’ll also hear honest experiences from parents in the community, including the realities of epilepsy, shared sleeping arrangements, sibling needs and adapting family life around survival mode. A reassuring and deeply validating episode for any parent feeling isolated by sleep struggles.Helpful organisations and resources mentioned include:Cerebra – support, guides and resources for families of children with brain conditions (cerebra.org.uk)Cerebra Sleep ServiceCerebra Sleep Seminars and WorkshopsThe Count Me In LotteryConnect with us:Find out more: cerebra.org.ukFollow us: https://www.instagram.com/cerebracharity/Get in touch: [email protected]