Is there any tips on how to encourage my 17 mth old grandson to sleep through the night?

ever since he was born he has been a poor sleeper, he was fed and still snacks now, he is jittery when he is sleeping and wakes up every 3 hours or so, will not go back to sleep unless he has 'y' In the daytime he is very active, and can be . My daughter has discussed all this with her health visitor, and suggested activity centres, nurseries etc, as she states that he is bored and so that is why he is in the day but she has not really said anything about his sleeping habits, any tips?