As concerns about sleep quality grow, many adults are turning to sleep coaches for assistance in overcoming unhealthy habits. A recent Gallup poll revealed that 57 percent of Americans believe they would benefit from more sleep, a significant increase from 43 percent in 2013. Despite these feelings, only about 25 percent of respondents reported achieving the recommended eight hours of sleep per night, down from 34 percent a decade ago.
Once primarily focused on infants, sleep coaches are now addressing the needs of adults struggling with sleep-related issues. According to sleep consultant Elana Klein, many clients approach her after experiencing major life disruptions, such as work stress, relationship changes, or loss. In these instances, sleep often becomes the first casualty. Others may struggle with chronic sleep problems that have persisted since childhood, leading them to identify as insomniacs.
Klein, who has over 20 years of experience in sleep consulting, initially worked with children before recognizing the need to assist their parents. Many adults were still grappling with their own long-standing sleep issues, which were exacerbated by the stress of parenting.
A common challenge among her clients is their tendency to focus solely on nighttime habits without considering daytime activities. For instance, one client who had trouble sleeping discovered that consuming most of their calories in the evening led to nighttime awakenings due to hunger. Another client, who drank 200 ounces of water daily, realized that frequent bathroom trips disrupted her sleep.
Klein emphasizes the importance of a supportive sleep environment and proper sleep hygiene, which includes practical measures like blackout shades and establishing a designated sleep space. However, she notes that many clients overlook the psychological barriers to restful sleep. Individuals often hold onto narratives that justify their lack of sleep, such as equating sleeplessness with hard work or youthfulness.
In her practice, Klein employs various techniques, including journaling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and breath work, to help clients reshape their perspectives on sleep. Typically, she works with individuals over 12 sessions spread across three months, providing ongoing support through text communication to keep clients accountable.
Klein highlights the pervasive issue of overstimulation in modern life, noting that constant access to screens and social media contributes to heightened anxiety. This anxiety can trigger doomscrolling, where individuals mindlessly consume distressing news to cope with their emotions rather than addressing them directly. To combat this, she encourages clients to allocate specific “worry time,” allowing them to acknowledge their concerns without letting them interfere with sleep.
The journey to better sleep often begins with recognizing that it is a fundamental human need. Klein reassures her clients that change is possible, regardless of how long they have struggled with sleep issues. By adopting new habits and perspectives, individuals can reclaim their sleep and, by extension, their overall well-being.
