Nova Sleepcare was developed to improve sleep for children and youth with neuro-developmental disorders (NDDs).
Designed to be delivered during a medical appointment, Nova Sleepcare helps address sleep issues, especially when they impact behavior like aggression or self-injury. It is quick, customizable, and provides immediate support without referrals or long waits.
Sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, overnight awakenings, and early-morning wakeups, are common in children and youth with NDDs. Nova Sleepcare is based on evidence-based guidelines for pediatric behavioral insomnia, including sleep education, best practices to promote sleep, sleep ecology, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, and melatonin physiology and dosing.
The Co-design Process
We have engaged people with lived experience as research partners from start to finish in the development of Nova Sleepcare. Our Advisory Council has provided strategic oversight. Additionally, we have collaborated with the Alberta SPOR Network to assess and enhance research partner engagement throughout the process.
Phase 1.
Open-Ended Discussions about Sleep
In the first phase, we had open ended discussions with youth, caregivers, and physician research partners about sleep and sleep education for neurodiverse youth. By engaging research partners from diverse backgrounds, we collaboratively co-designed the first version of Nova Sleepcare.
STATUS: DONE
Phase 2.
Consensus Group Discussions to Refine Nova Sleepcare
The second phase focused on consensus group discussions with youth, caregivers, and physician-research partners to refine Nova Sleepcare. These discussions aimed to identify key priorities for implementation in clinic and at home, ensuring the program addresses the needs of everyone involved.
STATUS: DONE
Phase 3.
Feasibility and Efficacy Testing in Clinics Across Canada.
The third phase involves testing the feasibility and effectiveness of Nova Sleepcare in clinical settings for youth, caregivers, and doctors. Feasibility testing will tell us if Nova Sleepcare is easy for young people, families, and doctors to use. Efficacy testing will help us understand if it helps young people sleep better, have less behaviours, and reduce caregiver stress. Three clinical sites across Canada will participate, with physicians delivering the program to families.
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
Phase 4.
A Clinical Trial of Nova Sleepcare.
The fourth phase will centre around a clinical trial to see how Nova Sleepcare impacts sleep and behaviour for neurodiverse youth in a real-world setting.
STATUS: FUTURE DIRECTION
