An invaluable list of organisations which specialise in advising on a whole range of issues related to sleep – from dealing with back pain or allergies to narcolepsy and sleep apnoea.
Allergies
Allergy UK
Allergy UK is a national medical charity established to represent the views and needs of people with allergy, food intolerance and chemical sensitivity. The website offers advice and support to sufferers with leaflets, factsheets and e-newsletters available.
3 White Oak Square
London Road
SWANLEY
Kent
BR8 7AG
Tel: 0800 121 62 44 (9am-5pm weekdays)
Email: info@allergyuk.org Web Site: www.allergyuk.org
Asthma UK
Asthma UK campaigns for the interests of people with asthma, provides public information in the form of leaflets and other publications and funds research. Its website contains up-to-the minute news and information for anyone affected by asthma and provides a direct email link to trained nurses who aim to respond within 72 hours. The helpline runs from 9am to 5pm weekdays and handles 1,500 calls each month.
Summit House
70 Wilson Street
LONDON
EC2A 2DB
Asthma Helpline: 0845 7 01 02 03 (9am-5pm weekdays)
Tel: 0800 121 62 44
Email: info@asthma.org.uk Web Site: www.asthma.org.uk
Backs
Back Care
BackCare, the charity for healthier backs, is dedicated to educating people on how to avoid preventable back pain, and supporting those living with back pain. BackCare does this through education, information, publications, a telephone helpline and local branches. It also funds research and campaigns to raise the profile of issues surrounding back pain. Helpful books, videos and audiotapes are available to buy on the website.
The Charity for Healthier Backs
16 Elmtree Road
TEDDINGTON
Middlesex
TW11 8ST
BackCare Helpline: 0845 130 2704
Tel: 0208 977 5474
Email: info@backcare.org.uk Web Site: www.backcare.org.uk
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the professional, educational and trade union body for the country’s 45,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and assistants. It aims to support its members and help them to provide the highest standards of patient care.
Tel: 020 7306 6666
Email: enquiries@csp.org.uk Web Site: www.csp.org.uk
Osteopathic Information Service
This service aims to provide help and information to those suffering from osteopathic related problems such as back pain, which can result in a poor night’s sleep. The site lists published research and all registered osteopaths by the area in which they practice. Leaflets can also be read on site or ordered free of charge.
General Osteopathic Council
Osteopathy House
176 Tower Bridge Road
LONDON
SE1 3LU
Tel: 020 7357 6655
Email: info@osteopathy.org.uk Web Site: www.osteopathy.org.uk
Children
Enuresis Resource and Information Centre (ERIC)
The Enuresis Resource & Information Centre (ERIC) provides support and information to younger children, teenagers, parents and health professionals on bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis), day-time wetting, constipation & soiling and incontinence in children with special needs. It offers a range of services, including literature, leaflets, resources, training, research, subscription to ERIC newsletters, and a wide range of products, including enuresis alarms & bedding. The Helpline is available for professionals as well as parents and carers.
34 Old School House
Britannia Road
Kingswood
BRISTOL
BS15 8DB
ERIC Helpline: 0845 370 8008 (Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Tel: 0845 370 8008
Email: info@eric.org.uk Web Site: www.eric.org.uk
Other Associations
British Waterbed Association
Set up by retailers and manufacturers, the aim of the British Waterbed Association is to promote quality waterbed products, increase consumer awareness and advise waterbed users. The website provides information on how the use of a waterbed can aid a good night’s sleep and also includes a list of affiliated members and how to contact them.
Tel: 0870 603 0202 (8am-6pm weekdays)
Email: enquiries@waterbed.org Web Site: www.waterbed.org
FIRA – The Furniture Industry Research Association
The Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) is a non-government funded organisation which has been in existence for over half a century. FIRA has driven the need for higher standards through testing, research and innovation for the furniture supply chain. New and better materials, improved processes and appropriate standards have been developed to enhance the quality of furniture and to assist suppliers, manufacturers and retailers to become more competitive. FIRA is recognised internationally as being at the leading edge, with world-class technology and unparalleled industry knowledge.
Maxwell Road
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 2EW
Tel: 01438 777700
Email: info@fira.co.uk Web Site: www.askfira.co.uk
The Furniture Ombudsman
Advice on complaints and independent inspections. The Furniture Ombudsman works to improve the standards and service offered by furniture and floorcovering companies, encompassing retailers, manufacturers and other related businesses. Members operate to a Code of Practice and have access to an impartial conciliation service to help solve any complaints. The Furniture Ombudsman expert inspection and assessment service is also available where the retailer is not a member of The Furniture Ombudsman (a home visit for inspection costs from £250). An independent assessment of the product will help to ensure that both parties know what the problems are and whether there is a valid complaint. If the dispute reaches Court it is almost certain that the Court will want a report from an independent consultant so that they can ascertain whether or not the claim is valid.
Maxwell Road
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 2EW
Tel: 0845 653 2064 (8am-6pm weekdays)
Email: info@thefurnitureombudsman.org Web Site: www.thefurnitureombudsman.org
Sleep Problems
British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association
Helping snorers and their sleeping partners in the UK and worldwide, the association provides information on the causes and also advice on remedies for snoring. A range of books, devices and remedies are available to purchase on the site, providing information on achieving an undisturbed night’s sleep and there is a monthly newsletter available.
Chapter House
33 London Street
REIGATE
Surrey
RH2 9HZ
Tel: 01737 245638 – Freephone helpline 0800 085 1097
Email: info@britishsnoring.co.uk Web Site: www.britishsnoring.co.uk
CPAP
A free public information resource for those seeking to learn more about sleep apnoea and snoring and for those who are existing sleep apnoea patients on CPAP therapy. Run by a company called Intus Healthcare, which specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the site offers users the latest news on OSA, forums for patients to discuss their concerns and health problems, useful tips and trouble-shooting on CPAP therapy via the forums and blogs, useful links to further services and the latest research on OSA, along with frequently asked questions.
Web Site: www.CPAP.co.uk
Edinburgh Sleep Centre
The Edinburgh Sleep Centre and its associated centre The London Sleep Centre are the only centres in the UK that provide access to the full range of services for patients with all types of sleep disorders across the life span within one location. Both are private clinics that accept referrals from General Practitioners and other medical specialists. They also accept direct patient referrals where the patients are self funding. Their specialist teams are recognised by all of the UK private health care companies and by the major international health insurance companies.
13 Heriot Row
Edinburgh
EH3 6HP
Fax: 0131 524 9730
Web Site: www.edinburghsleepcentre.com
Hypnotherapy Directory
Connects individuals with qualified professionals in the UK. It offers information about what hypnotherapy is, how it can help, upcoming events, articles written by professionals and the latest hypnotherapy news. To ensure the professionalism of the members, each hypnotherapist has provided proof of their qualifications and insurance cover, or proof of professional body membership. To see how a visit the Sleep Disorders page.
Coliseum
Riverside Way
Camberley
Surrey
GU15 3YL
Tel: 0844 8030 242
Web Site: www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk
London Sleep Centre
The London Sleep Centre and its associated centre The Edinburgh Sleep Centre are the only centres in the UK that provide access to the full range of services for patients with all types of sleep disorders across the life span within one location. Both are private clinics that accept referrals from General Practitioners and other medical specialists. They also accept direct patient referrals where the patients are self funding. Their specialist teams are recognised by all of the UK private health care companies and by the major international health insurance companies.
137 Harley Street
LONDON
W1G 6BF
Tel: 020 7725 0523
Email: info@londonsleepcentre.com Web Site: www.londonsleepcentre.com
Narcolepsy Association UK (UKAN)
Narcolepsy is a malfunction of the sleep/wake regulating system of the brain where the sufferer has an irresistible tendency to fall asleep – often in unlikely circumstances – or may have sudden loss of muscle control triggered by excitement, anger or amusement. The website was set up by UKAN, the Narcolepsy Association UK, with the aim of promoting awareness and providing information on how the condition is diagnosed and treated. Members also receive a quarterly newsletter.
PO Box 13842
PENICUIK
EH26 8WX
Tel: 0845 4500 394
Email: info@narcolepsy.org.uk Web Site: www.narcolepsy.org.uk
Sleep Apnoea Trust
Sleep apnoea is a disorder that occurs during sleep when the sleeper actually stops breathing due to a tightening of muscles in the throat which awakes them in a breathless state before quickly returning back to sleep. A registered charity and managed by volunteers, the trust aims to improve the lives of sleep apnoea patients and their families by offering information, support and non-medical advice while also sending regular newsletters to trust members. Membership can be obtained via the website, which also lists a number of sleep clinics and helplines to call for advice.
PO Box 60
Chinnor
Oxfordshire OX39 4XE
Tel: 0845 038 0060
Email: info@sleep-apnoea-trust.org Web Site: www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org
Sleep Matters Helpline
This helpline run by the Medical Advisory Service puts callers straight through to trained nurses who will talk through problems and, if necessary, refer to the right source for further help and advice.
PO Box 3087
LONDON
W4 4ZP
Tel: 020 8994 9874 (6pm-8pm daily)
Email: info@medicaladvisoryservice.org.uk Web Site: www.medicaladvisoryservice.org.uk
The Royal College of Psychiatrists
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional and educational body of psychiatrists in the UK and Ireland. The website looks at many related subjects in the area of psychiatry, one of which is sleep. Leaflets and factsheets are available to read on the site along with the option to send off for the leaflets or purchase audiotapes to help with sleeping problems.
17 Belgrave Street
LONDON
SW1X 8PG
Tel: 020 7235 2351
Email: rcpsych@rcpsych.ac.uk Web Site: www.rcpsych.ac.uk
