What Is A Sleep Coach?
When you’re sick, you see a doctor. when your car is broken down, you see a mechanic. When you can’t sleep, who do you go to? A sleep coach! Keep reading to find out who they are and how they can help you get a better night’s sleep.
What is a sleep coach?
A sleep coach is someone who can help provide you the tools needed to better manage sleep and overcome habits that work against your sleep goals. You can find a certified sleep coach for essentially any range of sleep issues, with some offering general sleep coaching services and others specializing in more specific sleep problems such as apnea or insomnia. If your sleep issues require medical attention, a sleep coach can work with you on behaviors related to your sleep while you are also getting care from a physician.
How does it differ from general advice?
Sleep coaches take your habits and your environment into consideration, which can be helpful in many aspects of life including weight management, skin health, mood, productivity, athletic performance, and other factors that both influence and are influenced by sleep. They personalize your plan as they get to know you and your lifestyle. The one-on-one nature of sleep coaching can help you understand your own sleep and answer questions that are particular to you and not found elsewhere. A sleep coach’s recommendations designed just for you may be just what you need to find the solutions that are right for you.
How can it help me with my sleep issues?
You can choose to share your data from a sleep tracker like SleepScore Max to help your sleep coach understand the quality, length, and stages achieved each time you go to sleep. They can use this information, along with any concerns you share with them about your sleep, to better guide you and recommend tailored practices, products, and advice for optimal sleep. As you put these recommendations into practice, you will hopefully start to notice that you are falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, and waking up feeling refreshed and energized more often, thanks to the help of your sleep coach.
A sleep coach’s suggestions and guidance will not work overnight. You will need to be patient and actively practice their suggestions. Over time, you can let your sleep coach know which of the recommendations are working for you and which recommendations need to be adjusted or replaced. However, similar to other professionals, don’t hesitate to seek a different sleep coach if they are not a good fit for you and your needs. Being able to openly communicate and achieve your goals comes first, and the coach you choose to work with should be able to help you do so. A healthy night of sleep is essential, and personalized advice from a coach may be the next step in taking care of yourself so you sleep better at night and feel great the next day.
Sleep well!