Sleep is essential for our health and wellbeing yet it is estimated that 40% of the population suffer with sleep issues and many do not get the support that they need.
We all need sleep to function but sleeping doesn’t come with a manual. It can be confusing finding the right information and advice about sleep that you can trust. The Sleep Charity produces a wide range of evidence-based information on all aspects of sleep from triggers to treatments.
National Sleep Helpline: 03303 530 541
The Sleep Apnoea Trust is a national charity that exists to improve the lives of sleep apnoea patients, their partners and families and is managed almost entirely by unpaid volunteers.
Our website is the best reference source for sleep apnoea information in the UK . The guide to driving and the DVLA is vital reading to any driver newly diagnosed or facing driving licence renewal when 70 year old or more.
If you cannot find an answer to your questions, then there is an email Helpline service which will receive a response quickly and accurately.
The advocacy skills of the Trust means we are directly involved with the NHS in almost every aspect of the referral, diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnoea. The new NICE Guideline, NG 202, in which we played a direct role, considerably widens the scope of patients qualifying for free NHS treatment using a CPAP machine and also made available alternatives to those intolerant to CPAP.
We are also able to refer to our Link Worker service, who offer one to one sessions in the community (where allowed to do so), by phone or video to connect you to local activities, support groups and services. They help to try to resolve practical issues by connecting you with services and funding that might be available if needed. Link workers are usually based in their local area so have good local knowledge. They can assist you to visit activities for the first time and to access and navigate services.
We also offer a Self-Management coaching service, in which a coach would meet with you for up to 6 sessions, usually in a GP surgery or by telephone or video. They offer support in managing your health conditions or that of a person you are caring for, and its impact on your day-to-day life. For example, this could include prioritising issues and agreeing step by step actions and goals. At the same time, the coach will take a holistic look at your circumstances and together you might identify other goals, lifestyle changes and support networks to effect positive change. A chance for more “good days” in other words.
