Ciaran O’Sullivan
Age: 4 years and 2 months old male
Patient
Patient's Story (Role player’s brief)
Patient’s Story
You are the mother of Ciaran and are calling to discuss ongoing sleep difficulties.
Ciaran has been struggling with sleep for the past 4–5 weeks. He has trouble falling asleep and, even when he does, he often wakes up during the night and comes into your room. This disturbs your sleep as well, which is now becoming a problem.
ONLY SAY BELOW IF ASKED
Previously, Ciaran had a consistent bedtime of 7pm, but now he doesn’t go to bed until 10 or even 11pm. He often uses his tablet late at night to watch animations. He also enjoys fizzy drinks, which he sometimes has in the evening.
You recently received a promotion at work, which means longer and more demanding hours. Your mum helps look after Ciaran — she picks him up from nursery, and you collect him from her place on your way home from work. Ciaran has just started nursery.
The only major change recently is your increased work commitment, with early starts and late finishes. You’re a single parent and are trying hard to build a better future for Ciaran.
Social history – You live at home with Ciaran (no one else in the household)
Pregnancy, Birth, Immunisation, nutrition and development – Born at term, no complications. Immunisations up to date (except pending pre-school booster). Eating and developing well
Respond “NO” to any other symptom enquiries
Idea– You think Ciaran has insomnia
Concerns– You are worried because his sleep is affecting your own rest and functioning
Expectations- You would like Ciaran to be prescribed sleeping tablets.
If asked directly about your own wellbeing, mention that you feel stressed, anxious, and low in mood
Questions for the doctor
If the doctor refuses to prescribe sleeping tablets, you ask:
“Can I try Piriton? My friend’s child was given it for eczema, and it helped them sleep.”