Alan is increasing his independence

Alan is a light sleeper, and is used to having his mirus staff team awake overnight to offer him reassurance and support if he wakes up. Alan became more involved with his local community, and as his independence increased, so did his need for a good night’s sleep. 

Alan would often stay awake to chat to staff during the night, and they thought without this option he would sleep better. So, his mirus staff team suggested Alan try ‘sleep in’ staff instead of staff who remained awake.

Although he was nervous at first, Alan agreed that without the temptation of chatting, he would likely be able to settle down and sleep easier and was keen to try it.

At first they trialled occasional sleep ins to see how Alan felt, and he was pleased to discover that the suggestion worked! He was able to have a much more restful sleep when there were fewer distractions. 

After a few successful sleep ins, mirus staff spoke with Alan and his circle of support to discuss making the change more permanent. 

Together they came up with a plan to gradually increase the number of sleep ins until Alan felt completely comfortable. They also gave Alan an alarm that he could use to wake staff if he needed support overnight, which made him feel more confident.

Alan has settled in well to his new routine, and gets a full night’s sleep almost every night. His days are now even more full of fun activities because he has much more energy than he did before.

Alan feels much more energetic, independent and in control of his life, and soon plans to increase his independence even more by having some periods during the day without support.