Sleep Hygiene and Screen Time Capacity Building Manual

The Sleep Hygiene and Screen Time Manual provide families with practical, accessible strategies to improve sleep quality and manage screen use for children with disabilities or additional needs. Sleep and screen time are two of the most commonly reported concerns by families, both deeply affecting behaviour, learning, regulation, and health. This manual breaks down what healthy sleep looks like, how to spot red flags, and what may be contributing to difficulties with falling asleep, staying asleep, or early waking. It includes guidance on building bedtime routines, reducing stimulation, and using visual schedules and social stories to ease transitions to sleep. You’ll also find strategies to adjust the environment, such as lighting, sound, and sensory comfort to meet your child’s needs and support better rest. Tips for managing sleep-related anxiety, calming or bedtime resistance are included, along with tools for sleep routines. Parts of the manual focuses on screen time, offering realistic, neurodiversity-affirming strategies for setting boundaries, introducing screen-free routines, and using screens intentionally. Guidance is provided on choosing developmentally appropriate content, using timers and visuals, and replacing screens with sensory or calming activities when needed. Whether you’re starting from scratch or fine-tuning your routines, this manual is designed to help your family build sustainable, balanced habits. By improving sleep hygiene and screen time boundaries, you’re setting the stage for better regulation, behaviour, and participation in daily life.