Why’s it so hard falling back to sleep?

The webinar will be recorded and all ticket holders will receive a viewing link.

Why do we sometimes wake in the night and find ourselves wide awake, even when we are exhausted and desperately want to sleep? And why can it be so difficult for a young person to return to sleep, even when their parent or carer is doing everything they can to help?

Waking during the night and getting back to sleep are two different experiences. We might wake because of a physical sensation, a noise, a change in our environment or an ordinary transition between sleep stages. But what happens after we wake can influence how difficult it is to settle again.

In this webinar, we'll explore the processes that can keep us awake after a night waking, including alertness, thoughts and worries, pressure to sleep, our body's sleep rhythms, sensory experiences and the need for comfort or connection.

We'll consider both adults thinking about their own sleep and parents and carers supporting young people, with reflection questions, relatable examples and practical ideas to explore. We'll also discuss when persistent night waking may need further assessment, rather than being treated as a sleep habit or something that can be resolved through sleep hygiene alone.

The aim is to develop a better understanding of what might be happening and how we can respond in ways that support comfort, wellbeing and individual needs.

Good to Know Info:

The webinar presentation will aim to be about 1 hour long and then there will be time for questions and reflections for those attending. Please note that the Q & A time will not be recorded to protect people’s privacy
All tickets are a donation and donations will be going to support Autistic Inclusive Meets (AIM) and Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC)
This webinar uses a donation-based ticket system. At checkout, please choose the donation amount that feels right for your circumstances. Donations are non-refundable.
The live event is on Thursday December 3rd, 11 AM – 12.30 PM (GMT/London)
Your joining link (via Zoom) is in the email you receive upon booking and will be sent again by me a few days prior

Who is Autistic Inclusive Meets (AIM)?

Autistic Inclusive Meets is a not-for-profit organisation created by autistic people to enable families with autistic children, and autistic individuals to get out into the community and socialise in an accepting, inclusive environment with like-minded peers.

We provide support and advice to families and individuals, promote acceptance of autism through education of the general public, and protect autistic rights by campaigning against autistic mistreatment.

Who is Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC)?

From their webpage

MIRAC is an all-volunteer, grassroots, multiracial, and multinational immigrant rights mass-movement organization. MIRAC fights for legalization for all, an end to immigration raids and deportations, an end to all anti-immigrant laws, and full equality in all areas of life.

About Your Host:

Laura Hellfeld, Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting; RN, MSN, PHN, CNL, Sleep Consultant

Laura is a neurodivergent health educator, independent Nurse & Sleep Consultant, and author dedicated to reshaping how self-care is supported within neurodivergent and disabled communities. Their work centres on accessible approaches to food and eating, sleep, hygiene and toileting. Laura does this through direct support for individuals and families, as well as through workshops and educational events for both professionals and community members. They are also a Patron for Autistic Inclusive Meets (AIM) and member of the Autistic Burnout Network (ABN).

Drawing from lived experience and public health service, Laura creates inclusive spaces, hosts community events, and co-authors books like Gabby’s Glimmers and Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic People. Laura has also published Flush Forward! A Friendly Toileting Guide for Parents of Disabled & Neurodivergent Young People and is co-authoring a book for primary educators called Belonging First which will be available March 2027.

Terms & Policies

By registering for this course, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Intellectual Property: All webinar content and accompanying materials are the intellectual property of Laura Hellfeld. They may not be recorded, reproduced, shared, or distributed without prior written permission.
Educational Purposes: This webinar is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to replace personalised medical, therapeutic, or other professional advice.
Participant Responsibility: Participants are responsible for how they choose to apply the information shared during the webinar. Laura Hellfeld accepts no responsibility or liability for any outcomes arising from the use or misuse of the information provided.

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