Many adults are increasingly seeking guidance to improve their sleep, a trend highlighted by a recent surge in demand for sleep coaching. This shift comes as a response to growing concerns about sleep quality and the impacts of modern life. A 2023 Gallup poll revealed that 57 percent of Americans believe they would feel better with more sleep, a significant rise from 43 percent in 2013. Alarmingly, only about a fourth of respondents reported achieving the recommended eight hours of sleep per night, a drop from 34 percent a decade ago.
Sleep coaches, traditionally focused on infants and their families, are now extending their services to adults grappling with sleep issues. As anxiety levels rise and sleep-related concerns become more prevalent, many adults are recognizing the need for professional help. Elana Klein, a sleep consultant with over 20 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of addressing both nighttime habits and daytime routines.
Understanding Sleep Challenges
According to Klein, adults often seek her services after experiencing major life changes, such as work stress, loss, or relationship issues. “Sleep is always the first thing to go,” she notes. Additionally, some clients have battled chronic sleep disturbances since childhood, internalizing these struggles as a part of their identity.
Klein recounts her experience working with clients who have longstanding difficulties. One individual had been unable to sleep through the night for years but later discovered their nighttime eating habits were disrupting their rest. Another client, who was highly active and consumed excessive amounts of water, found that her frequent trips to the bathroom were a key factor in her disrupted sleep.
Through her coaching sessions, Klein addresses a range of sleep-related issues, including the overall sleep environment and personal habits. Many clients come to her believing they have a good setup for sleep, only to discover that their routines are counterproductive. “I can spot what they’re missing,” she explains, noting that many people carry misconceptions about the need for sleep, often viewing it as a sign of weakness.
Techniques for Better Sleep
Klein employs various techniques to help her clients, including cognitive behavioral therapy methods, journaling, and breath work. Typically, she works with individuals over 12 sessions spanning three months, providing support and follow-up in between. “Self-judgment is the sleep killer,” she stresses, explaining that clients often spiral into negative thinking at night, which further complicates their ability to rest.
In addressing modern challenges, Klein highlights the impact of technology on sleep quality. The constant barrage of notifications and social media interactions can create an overstimulated environment, flooding the brain with cortisol and perpetuating anxiety. “Doomscrolling” has become a common coping mechanism, where individuals distract themselves from their feelings instead of confronting them.
Klein advises clients to set aside specific times for worry, allowing them to express their anxieties without letting them interfere with sleep. She encourages a shift in mindset, urging individuals to redefine their relationship with sleep. “Sleep’s a birthright,” she asserts, emphasizing its fundamental role in overall health.
As adults become more aware of their sleep needs, the demand for sleep coaches is expected to grow. With the right guidance, individuals can transform their sleep habits and, ultimately, their quality of life. Klein’s work illustrates that it’s never too late to address sleep difficulties and reclaim restful nights.
