In this third session of the Sensory & Emotional Regulation series, internationally respected occupational therapist Maude Le Roux explores the vital role of sleep and arousal regulation in children’s emotional and behavioural development. Children who struggle with self-regulation often experience disrupted sleep patterns, which in turn further compromise their capacity for emotional balance, attention, and learning.
This session delves into the relationship between arousal states and sleep, drawing on contemporary occupational therapy frameworks and developmental science. It offers clear, practical guidance on identifying sleep-related regulation issues and provides over 10 concrete strategies that professionals and parents can use to support sleep as a foundational regulatory function.
Whether you are an allied health professional, psychologist, educator or parent, this session equips you with essential tools to better understand and respond to the sleep-related challenges often seen in children with sensory or emotional regulation difficulties.
This is the third talk in a four-part series
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
Explain the relationship between arousal regulation and sleep.
Identify signs that sleep disruption may be contributing to emotional or behavioural dysregulation.
Describe how poor sleep affects a child’s ability to self-regulate throughout the day.
Implement at least 10 practical strategies to support improved sleep hygiene and regulation.
Integrate sleep-focused interventions into broader support plans for children with regulation challenges.