Natalie Graham is a qualified sleep consultant who helps support families with children (0-6 years) who struggle with their sleep. This may be continuous broken nights, bedtime battles, non existent naps and early starts. 
As a mum of two, she knows how lack of sleep can take its toll on the wellbeing and happiness of a whole family so it’s really important for those families to know that there’s someone you can ask for support.
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?
I’m originally from Ipswich but met my husband when I lived in London. We moved to Royston in 2014 and have made so many friends here. Both kids are at Tannery Drift First School and I’m a member of the PTA which keeps me involved in school and community activities.
Your favourite place to eat in Royston?
Jolly Postie – it’s always such a relaxed atmosphere so it’s perfect for the kids. They love the pizza, and the van of course!
What is the last book you read?
It’s all about an easy read in the evening – I’ve just finished Bob Mortimer’s Satsuma Complex which was pretty good.
What do you love about your work?
It’s an incredibly rewarding job. The families that I work with are literally at the end of their tether but once we start working together, and sleep gets easier, I get some incredible messages from parents because it really can mean everything to just feel normal again. The benefits of improving sleep for a little one are huge too – appetite improves, daytime behaviour improves, they become more adaptable and confident and just a whole lot happier.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Switching hats and having to cover all aspects of the business. I’m head of sales, head of marketing, HR, Finance, IT, PR… it can get quite overwhelming but it’s also amazing to have so much freedom.
What is your favourite Royston experience?
The Heath! My kids have so much energy so letting them charge around over there and then grabbing a bacon roll and coffee is one of my favourite parts of the weekend.
What is your favourite place in the world?
I’ve been lucky to travel to so many stunning places all over the world, but if I could go back anywhere – it would be with my kids and husband to a beautiful beach in Wales called Three Cliffs Bay that we went last year. It was absolutely gorgeous and so peaceful!
What has been the most valuable life lesson that you have learnt?
Resilience. Being able to bounce back from setbacks and persevere is something that I’m trying to instil in the kids. Things aren’t always going to work out, and building your own business definitely requires resilience.
What’s something people wouldn’t know about you?
I once went Shark Cage diving in South Africa down Shark Alley. It was an unbelievable experience to be so close to great whites!
What made you become a sleep consultant?
When our youngest turned 4 months, he started waking every 45 minutes throughout the night which continued for over 6 months. I was barely getting 3hrs (broken) sleep a night. I had our eldest to look after too. It started having a real negative impact on our family so we were recommended a sleep consultant and, I know it sounds cheesy, but it changed our lives within a few weeks! That’s when I realised what an awesome job it was and how important it is for families to get help. I am so grateful to that sleep consultant!
