Resources: Tips and Tricks for sleeping in hospital
If you are staying in hospital for a long period for your child’s cancer treatment, there are some things you can do to make it more comfortable. The CatNap program practical, evidence-based strategies for improving sleep.
Staying in hospital
Having to stay in hospital can bring about different challenges. Some children end up in hospital very quickly once they are diagnosed. This is where a Redkite Red Bag can be useful.
Whether parents and other family members can stay overnight will depend on the hospital’s policy. Generally, paediatric hospitals will try to let carers stay and have facilities for this.
If you are staying in hospital for a long period for treatment, there are some things you can do to make it more comfortable:
As a parent, you are one of the most important providers of support and care for your child.
When your child is unwell, and especially if they are in pain, tired, frightened or worried, they feel most secure with the people they feel closest to.
However, parents need nurturing too. All ‘giving’ and no ‘getting’ can wear you thin, and it can be tough to parent a sick or tired child if you are worn out yourself.
In the CatNap program we discuss a few different ways you can look after yourself while you are in hospital including one of the most essential . . . sleep!
Packing for Hospital
If you have time to get organised before going to hospital, it’s a good idea to bring:
CatNap
CatNap is designed for parents and carers of children with cancer who are navigating the daily challenges of caring for their child in hospital or at home.
CatNap is a flexible, multi-component program that offers practical, evidence-based strategies for improving sleep and self-care for parents caring for a child with cancer. Developed with input from sleep psychologists, paediatric oncologists, and experienced parents, CatNap aims to provide rest and renewal when it’s needed most:
CatNap offers you an invaluable set of tools to manage stress, improve your sleep quality, and care for yourself while caring for your child. By building healthier sleep routines, you’ll not only improve your own energy levels and resilience, but you’ll also be better equipped to support your child throughout their treatment journey.
Key benefits include guidance on maintaining relaxation, minimising burnout, and help with creating a sense of calm and well-being, no matter where you are on your child’s journey.
Request information And support
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Related resources
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After Emily was diagnosed with cancer, Redkite’s children’s counselling program played a vital role in supporting the emotional wellbeing of Emily and her sister Lucy.
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After Emily was diagnosed with cancer, Redkite’s children’s counselling program played a vital role in supporting the emotional wellbeing of Emily and her sister Lucy.
Books to help you talk about your big feelings
It can be hard to talk about your feelings, when you or your sibling is diagnosed with cancer. Our Book Club program has loads of books for children and teens that can help.
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Managing special days and events
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Significant days and anniversaries can bring expectations. Feelings and emotion can be intensified, when your child is going through cancer.
‘Forgotten children’ – the experience of siblings and how you can help
Siblings of children with cancer can experience a lot of change in their life and be directly affected emotionally and socially by their brother or sisters’ diagnosis. We take a look at how you can help.
‘Forgotten children’ – the experience of siblings and how you can help
Siblings of children with cancer can experience a lot of change in their life and be directly affected emotionally and socially by their brother or sisters’ diagnosis. We take a look at how you can help.
