From Exhaustion to Evenings Off: How One Family Transformed Twin Sleep Struggles

When you’re raising twins, sleep can feel like a distant dream. That was the reality for the parents of Conor and Sam, one-year-old twins who were waking up seven times a night, crying and unable to settle back down. Bedtime had become a two-parent job—long, draining, and completely exhausting.

Their parents were doing their absolute best, but the nights were relentless. Evenings, which should have offered a moment of calm or connection, were lost to stress and sleep deprivation. They longed for just a few simple things: one-on-one time with their older son, the chance to attend an exercise class, or even a quiet moment to prep for the day ahead.

When we began working together, our goal was clear: help Conor and Sam develop the skills they needed to sleep well, so the whole family could thrive again. Here’s how we did it.

Setting the Stage for Sleep

The first step was optimising their sleep environment. We made small but meaningful changes to make their bedroom more conducive to rest—darkening the room, limiting stimulating distractions, and ensuring it was cool and calm. A comfortable, consistent sleep space sends powerful sleep cues to little ones, especially when it's shared, as it was for these twins.

Rethinking the Daytime Rhythm

Next, we revisited their daytime routine, paying particular attention to nap timings. At one year old, nap transitions can be tricky, and timing is everything. We made sure Conor and Sam were getting the right amount of daytime sleep, at the right times, to support better nights. Aligning naps with their natural sleep windows helped reduce overtiredness—one of the most common causes of night wakings.

Simplifying the Bedtime Routine

We also streamlined their bedtime routine. Bedtime doesn’t need to be a long, elaborate process—it just needs to be predictable and soothing. We pared it down to a short story and a consistent sequence of steps that helped the boys wind down without becoming overstimulated. What had once been a stressful, drawn-out ordeal became a calm, 15-minute transition to sleep.

Gentle, Supportive Sleep Training

With the foundation in place, we introduced gentle sleep training—an approach rooted in connection, patience, and support. Conor and Sam were never left to cry it out. Instead, we guided them gradually toward falling asleep independently, offering comfort and reassurance along the way. They learned not only how to fall asleep on their own at bedtime, but also how to resettle themselves if they stirred during the night.

A Whole New Rhythm

Today, Conor and Sam go to bed with just one parent, and within minutes, they’re happily tucked into their cots, drifting off to sleep independently. They sleep through the night. No more tag-teaming bedtime. No more seven wake-ups. And no more walking through the day in a haze of exhaustion.

Their parents now enjoy peaceful evenings again—whether that means spending time with their older child, heading to a workout class, or just catching their breath. Most importantly, the whole family feels rested and restored.

Rearing twins is no small feat. But with the right support and a tailored approach, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Sleep is possible—and it can transform everything.

A Word from Conor and Sam’s Parents

“Bedtime with our twin boys has been transformed. We used to have to walk around/rock them to sleep and we'd have multiple wake-ups each night. Now, they fall asleep in their cots, by themselves, with no tears at all. Once we can drop their one feed during the night they'll be sleeping soundly through the night.”

“Hannah's approach is so practical, working with your specific family circumstances. She's so supportive, encouraging and empowering. Never judgemental. Having access to her on WhatsApp during bedtime is invaluable.”

“If you're struggling with any sleep issue, let Hannah help. You won't know yourself when you've your evenings back and your whole family has enjoyed proper sleep.”