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The Amazing World of the Little Sleep Doctors

How a Children’s Book was Born

By Irvine Gersch

A As a child psychologist, I soon became aware during the COVID pandemic that many children were suffering with anxiety, sleep disturbance, behavioural and mental health issues. Unfortunately, but understandably, I was sure that there would be a large number of children showing symptoms, including anxiety and sleeping problems, causing their parents and teachers concern. Indeed, this prediction is supported by growing evidence.

At a personal level, together with two of my grandchildren Bertie (aged 10) and Jessica (aged 6) we decided to make a small contribution to help such children, by writing a children’s book to help children relax at bedtime, with a few helpful psychological tips for parents that I would add in at the end.

In January of 2021, I began relating a story about a team of little sleep doctors, who gently and lovingly travel around your body at night, making any hurty bits or worries go away. We developed characters who would come out, when called, and bring a tiny hoover, a tiny dustpan and brush and a tiny polisher to clear up all hurt, and finally one character who washes all your worries away.

We tried and tested the story many times. Jessica and Bertie helped get the language right and also provided ideas about possible pictures and the development of the characters, so that the story would engage young children.

I then called a publisher of children’s books, Belinda Ferreira, who is a specialist in this area. Belinda was really positive about the topic, and even more so as the book would be written by two children with their Papa – as I am called. It would be a true family production.

Not many children’s books are actually written by children. Belinda sent a contract to be signed by all three authors and was wonderful in seeking the views of Bertie and Jessica for every decision. Bertie, who is no stranger to voice-overs, also made an audio tape of the story, which we hope to use.

During the process, Jessica, Bertie and I learned so much about what goes into publishing a children’s book. However, the financial negotiations didn’t quite go my way, and I think that Jessica and Bertie managed to pull off quite a percentage of royalties for themselves!

So, we have now ended up with a lovely little book called The Amazing World of the Little Sleep Doctors, by Irvine Gersch, Bertie Caplan and Jessica Caplan. The dream is that on the next Book Day at school, Jessica and Bertie will not only be able to select a book they would like to read – but actually one they have written and published.

Jessica wants to read the book aloud in the local library. She loves the idea that it would be sold on Amazon and elsewhere and be available to help lots of children. Here is the letter Bertie and Jessica wrote to include in the book, which sums things up:

Dear Little Readers,

This book has been written for your happiness and help with your sleep. The story was written to help us when we found it tricky to fall asleep. We hope this book helps you, like it helped us, and that you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Love and sweet dreams

from Bertie (10) and Jessica (6).

The above article is adapted from one which first appeared in BeYachad, the magazine of the Shenley United Jewish Community.

Children, Sleep and Anxiety

5 Essential Tips for Parents and Carers

1. Discussing any anxieties – real or imagined

Discussion of anxieties is important, and it is vital to hear them out, even if they sound totally unrealistic and “silly” - because they are real and important to your child. They can be discussed in all sorts of ways and reassurance can be provided. However, listening respectfully is a vital first step. Some parents write the worries down and ceremoniously throw them away. One can also discuss how likely it would be for the events which cause anxiety, to actually happen. Remember these are real worries for the child, and thus must be taken seriously, and discussed sensitively and respectfully.

2. The bedtime story and the brain

The story is meant as a disruptor of any negative thoughts, and as a vehicle for putting the child in a good mood for sleep. Of course, any favourite story can be used for this purpose. This story was designed to amuse and please young children, to reassure them and teach them about some of the benefits and importance of sleep.

The true brain functions and biochemical healing processes are not dissimilar from the metaphor of sleep doctors. The interested parent may wish to review the biology, neuropsychology, brain science and biochemistry of healing, anxiety and sleep further, and eventually, when the child is ready, to tell them what really happens in greater depth.

3. A reward system and star chart

A reward system is a very powerful tool for use with young children. There are many such systems available involving the use of a chart so the child can both see, and be rewarded for, any progress. The system does need to have very clear, specified positive behavioural targets, in words the child can understand. Such targets should state what we want the child to do, rather than what we do not want them to do. And they should be easy to achieve, gradually and slowly building the degree of challenge. For example, depending upon the nature of the problem and what the child can cope with, it might be “to go to sleep by a certain time” or “to stay in bed until 6 am” or “to reduce the number of awakenings to a set number”. It should have a clear recording system – with a slow build-up of ticks or stars leading to a reward at the end. The reward should be something that the child really wants. It is sometimes useful for the child to be able to earn minirewards along the way. There are many examples of star charts which can be found online, but it is always good for a child and parent to create their own. A chart is best displayed in a place where the child can see it easily and often. Ticks and stars should never be taken away for bad behaviour, as that will weaken the power of the tool. The chart should last for about 3 or 4 weeks.

4. A relaxation activity

Meditation and relaxation provide further powerful tools to help children sleep and manage anxieties. There are many examples provided for adults in this area. For relaxation activities to work for children, these need to be simplified and adapted to the individual child. It would be helpful for parents/carers to listen to some of the many audiotapes or podcasts available, to get an idea of what is needed.

My preferred use with children is in three stages:

(a) getting the child to make each part of their body feel heavy, whilst breathing gently and slowly; (b) guided imagery of them relaxing on an air bed in a swimming pool, on a warm beautiful day, and then finally; (c) imagining a return to their own room, feeling warm, safe and comfortable in their own bed. On each occasion, the child is invited to feel a part of their body as heavy, comfortable and relaxed by the adult specifying this very slowly, with increasingly long spaces between the words. Silence between the words is very important and the procedure should be undertaken very slowly and not rushed.

5. Self–settling behaviour

Various sleep programmes recommend interval training e.g. the parents leave the child for longer and longer periods between visits, and/or reduce the time staying next to the child. There are many published books on this subject. What is important is that children do need the opportunity to learn their own series of mini behaviours and rituals to fall asleep. Thus, ideally, they should manage that final stage on their own. These rituals may include several turnings of the pillow, placing their toys in a certain position, having special items with them or lying in the right place. (We adults also have these rituals, by the way.) When children are suffering from separation anxiety we have sometimes introduced a doll or item of clothing scented with the favourite perfume used by the parent, as a reassuring reminder. This could help some children.

Irvine Gersch is emeritus professor in educational and child psychology at the University of East London (UEL), who has practiced as a child and educational psychologist for more than 40 years. In 2016 he received the Division of Educational and Child Psychology annual award for Distinguished Contributors to the profession. He has published widely, co-editing and authoring many books, chapters and journal articles including the Seed handbook – Everyday Parenting for Everyday Parents.

Acknowledgements

Thanks go Dr Rebecca Eliahoo (Editor) BeYachad Magazine and Belinda Ferreira (Director): Small World: Big Imagination Ltd, for their kind permission to reproduce material here, and Belinda’s ongoing support for this book, as well as to Bertie Caplan and Jessica Caplan for their co-authorship of the book. ‘The Amazing World of the Little Sleep Doctors’ (2021) by Irvine Gersch, Bertie Caplan and Jessica Caplan is published by Small World, Big Imaginations Ltd. The book can be ordered on the link below, or by email or phone: Email: orders@smlworld.co.uk Tel: 01280 850305

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