What Happens at Your Child’s Private Sleep Consultant Appointment?

Sleep consultancy looks quite different from a clinical appointment. Here is what to expect at each stage, from first contact through to implementing a sleep plan.

Before You Begin: The Sleep Diary

Most sleep consultants will ask you to complete a sleep diary before the assessment — typically covering seven to fourteen nights. Record what time your child goes to bed, how long they take to fall asleep, any night wakings (time and duration), what time they wake in the morning, any naps, and anything else that seems significant (such as nightmares, sleepwalking, or unusual sounds during sleep). This data is invaluable to the consultant and makes the assessment much more productive.

The Assessment Consultation

The assessment is usually conducted with parents via phone or video, and typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The consultant will go through the sleep diary with you and ask detailed questions about your child’s history, routine, diet, sleep environment, and behaviour around bedtime and overnight. For SEND sleep specialists, there will also be detailed questions about your child’s diagnosis, sensory profile, anxiety levels, communication, and what has already been tried.

This is not a test — there are no wrong answers. The consultant needs an honest picture of what is actually happening, not an idealised version. Be as specific as possible about times, sequences of events, and your child’s responses.

The Sleep Plan

Following the assessment, the consultant produces a written sleep plan. This is a personalised document setting out the recommended approach, the rationale behind each element, and step-by-step guidance on implementation. A good plan explains not just what to do but why — so you understand the reasoning and can adapt it if circumstances change.

For children with SEND, the plan will incorporate adaptations for sensory needs, communication differences, anxiety, and regulatory challenges. It should be realistic about what is achievable for your child specifically, not a generic programme with adjustments bolted on.

Implementation Support

The plan is only the beginning. Implementation support — regular contact with the consultant while you put the plan into practice — is where the real work happens. Most packages include daily or every-other-day check-ins in the first week, tapering as progress is established. The consultant adjusts the plan in response to what is actually happening rather than expecting you to follow it rigidly regardless of outcome.

Be honest with your consultant about what is and is not working. The faster they have accurate information, the faster they can help you adapt the approach.