Sleep coaches help individuals or families improve sleep patterns by offering personalized guidance on routines, habits, and environments, often addressing issues like insomnia or poor sleep in children.
Median income:
$86,430 annually or $42 per hour, but it will vary based on experience and how many clients a sleep coach has.
Lifestyle:
Flexible work lifestyle, offering consultations both in-person and online, but typically work with clients during evenings or weekends to align with their sleep schedules. Some sleep coaches travel to clients’ homes, while some may work entirely remotely.
Exciting Parts of the Job:
Discovering the unique differences among families
Tailoring advice to fit each family’s distinct values, personalities, and dynamics
Creating customized plans rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach
Finding different ways to effectively support families with varying levels of anxiety
Challenging Parts of the Job:
Handling cases that are more difficult or require extra time and effort
Needing to spend more time with certain parents to ensure their success
Applying additional pressure to help some individuals open up and fully engage with the advice given
Finding alternative ways to communicate and support different personalities
Education Requirements:
A formal degree is not required to become a sleep coach, but certifications in sleep consulting or coaching are required.
This is perfect for you if:
You are passionate about helping others
You are interested in sleep science
You have a flexible and patient attitude
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Alejandra Zuniga to learn more about being a sleep coach here!
Day in the Life
Schedule:
Flexible schedule, with working hours varying based on client availability and needs. They often accommodate clients during evenings or weekends to align with their sleep patterns.
Setting:
Work in different settings, such as private practice, clinics and wellness centers, home visits, and virtual platforms.
Tasks:
Assessing sleep patterns, developing personalized plans, providing guidance, monitoring progress, educating clients, and supporting families, especially children.
Topics:
Sleep science, behavioral techniques, client interaction strategies, technological advancements, and updates in certification requirements and professional standards.
Skills:
Assessing sleep patterns, applying behavioral strategies, developing personalized sleep plans, analyzing sleep data, and using educational techniques to teach clients about effective sleep practices.
Tools:
Sleep tracking devices, applications for monitoring sleep patterns, and online platforms for virtual consultations. Most sleep coaches use Excel or Sheets to track their clients and Zoom to meet virtually.
Common Characteristics:
Natural Talents (strengths):
Naturally empathetic, good communicators, problem-solvers, and observant, which helps them notice subtle patterns and changes in clients’ sleep behaviors.
Interests:
Analyzing and understanding sleep patterns, helping others improve their well-being through personalized advice, and developing tailored solutions for clients.
Personality:
Have investigative, social, and enterprising personality types. They are analytical, outgoing, and strategic.
Values:
Client well-being, solutions-oriented, continuous learning, effective communication, and positive results for their clients.
*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.
How to Become a Sleep Coach
Education Requirements:
A formal degree is not mandatory, but getting certifications is required. It’s important to choose a recognized certification body, such as the Board of Certification of Professional Sleep Consultants (BCPSC) or the Sleep Coach Certification program.
Preferred Majors
While a degree is not required, pursuing majors in psychology, nursing, or counseling can be helpful.
Specialties and Similar Career Paths
Sleep Specialist
Sleep Technologist
Behavioral Sleep Therapist
Health Coach
Child Sleep Consultant
Clinical Psychologist (with a focus on sleep disorders)
Occupational Therapist (specializing in sleep issues)
Wellness Coach
Pediatrician (with expertise in sleep issues)
Neuropsychologist (with a focus on sleep and cognitive function)
Advice from Alejandra
Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:
Leverage modern marketing strategies, including social media and AI, to attract clients, and network effectively with professionals like pediatricians and potential partners to enhance your visibility and client base.
Fastest way to get your foot in the door:
Complete a certification program quickly and start offering your services immediately through online platforms or your existing network.