Why I became a sleep consultant
Why I Became a Sleep Consultant—and Why Helping Families Is My True Passion
If you’ve ever found yourself pacing the hallway at 2 a.m. with a restless baby, or trying to soothe a toddler who refuses to settle, you’ll know that sleep isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s absolutely essential for the whole family’s wellbeing. My name is Kath Garwood, and I’ve dedicated my career to helping families transform bedtime battles into peaceful routines. But why did I choose this path? And what keeps me so passionate about supporting families through their sleep struggles?
Let me take you back to the beginning of my journey.
From Early Years to Sleep Nanny®: My Story
I’ve worked in the early years sector since 2006, starting my career with a degree in Early Childhood Studies and later qualifying as an NVQ Level 3 Early Years Practitioner. My hands-on experience as a childminder, beginning in 2015, gave me a front-row seat to the everyday challenges parents face—especially when it comes to sleep. I saw first-hand how sleepless nights didn’t just affect the children, but the entire family dynamic. Exhausted parents, overwhelmed siblings, and children struggling to thrive—all because of disrupted sleep.
Not just professionally but at this time (2015) is when I welcomed my daughter and experienced the huge impact of that 2am struggle for myself and it very nearly broke me. I tried everything and could not see the right path forward. I felt like a failure. I worried about her development, her mood and mine too. This is where my curiosity started. I knew there must be a way to resolve sleep issues without falling onto methods that did not align with me.
In 2021, I founded Sleep Easy (after training with the Sleep Nanny Academy) with a simple mission: to help families reclaim their nights and restore balance in their homes. It started taking off but I knew I wanted more. To help more families and at all levels too. I did not want any parent to have to deal with the sleep deprivation I had been through.
That’s when I discovered The Sleep Nanny® franchise. I became a certified Sleep Nanny® Partner, and later, the franchise manager. Today, I don’t just support families directly—I also train and mentor other sleep nannies, ensuring that more families receive the gold-standard support they deserve.
Why Sleep Matters—For Everyone
Sleep is the foundation of healthy development. It fuels children’s growth, supports their brain development, and nurtures their emotional wellbeing. But it also gives parents the energy and resilience they need to be present, calm, and connected with their children.
I’ve seen the ripple effect that poor sleep can have—frayed tempers, missed milestones, and a sense of hopelessness that can settle over the whole household. That’s why I’m so passionate about what I do. Every time I help a family achieve better sleep, I know I’m not just giving them a peaceful night—I’m giving them the chance to thrive together.
My Philosophy: Gentle, Evidence-Based, and Personalised
What sets my approach apart from other sleep consultant you see all over social media is my commitment to gentle, non-cry-it-out methods. I firmly believe that every child is unique, and every family deserves a plan that fits their values, routines, and needs. My coaching is rooted in sleep science, mindfulness, and positive psychology—tools that empower both parents and children to build healthy sleep habits for life. Everyone at the sleep nanny does. I love being a part of such a passionate and professional group with the same aim in their roles.
I understand that many families have tried other methods before finding me. Sometimes, parents arrive feeling sceptical or even defeated, worried that nothing will work for their child. That’s why I focus on building trust, offering unlimited support, and guaranteeing results. I want every family to feel seen, heard, and supported—no matter how challenging their sleep journey has been.
The Joy of Transformation
There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing from a parent who finally feels rested, or seeing a child wake up happy and refreshed. I’ve worked with newborns who struggled to settle, toddlers who relied on feeding to sleep, and school-aged children battling anxiety at bedtime. In every case, the transformation is about more than just sleep—it’s about restoring harmony, confidence, and joy to family life.
One of my proudest moments was helping a family who had tried everything—methods that left them feeling guilty and discouraged. Together, we crafted a gentle plan that respected their child’s temperament and their own parenting style. Within just a few days, they saw dramatic improvements, and by the end of our time together, they described bedtime as “peaceful” for the first time in years. Stories like these are why I do what I do.
Supporting Families—Every Step of the Way
Whether you choose a virtual support package or in-home help, my promise is the same: I’ll be with you every step of the way. My services include bespoke sleep plans, coaching calls, and unlimited messaging support—because every family deserves guidance that adapts to their unique journey.
I also offer ongoing support options, from weekly group clinics to private Zoom calls, so you’re never left to figure things out alone. And for new parents, my 4 week course is packed with gentle tips and practical advice to help you get started.
Why I’m Still So Passionate—Years Later
Even after all these years, my passion for helping families hasn’t faded—it’s grown stronger. Every family I work with teaches me something new, and every success story reminds me why this work matters. I’m proud to be recognised as one of the “best of the best” in my field, and I’m committed to using my expertise to make a real difference.
If you’re struggling with sleep, please know that you’re not alone—and that gentle, effective support is within reach. I invite you to book a free assessment call, explore my support packages, or simply reach out for a chat. Together, we can turn sleepless nights into peaceful, restorative sleep for your whole family.
