Despite being a natural part of our daily lives, an extortionate amount of people struggle to sleep soundly. Research shows a massive 50-70 million of us have ongoing sleep disorders. Pursuing a career as a sleep consultant can be a brilliant way to help people get a better night’s rest, and is a rewarding path both in terms of job satisfaction and financial rewards.
Here, we will explore how to become a sleep consultant.
A solid foundation
Whilst there are a great number of professionals who claim to be sleep consultants, there are not yet any enforceable standards or regulations around the title. Therefore, to ensure you have the trust and confidence of your patients, it’s important to educate yourself appropriately before labeling yourself a sleep consultant.
A degree in medicine, health, or biology is sure to serve as a solid foundation for a sleep consultant career path, as you’ll learn about the biomechanics of the human body and be better able to understand how sleep works. There are many courses available on the subject itself, but again, be sure to research the credentials of anyone offering a course or training program.
Choose an accredited training provider
As sleep consultancy is not a regulated industry, be sure to pick an appropriate course from a provider that has been accredited by an independent regulating body, such as the Open College Network. This not only will earn you more trust from your clients but will ensure that your training is up-to-date and provides the proper training on safe sleep practices and techniques.
Training for the title of sleep consultant doesn’t take long compared with other health-focused courses, and most students can complete it within a year. However, this role requires continuous learning and development, so ongoing training is essential.
Pick a specialty
Some of the most commonly sought-after sleep consultants are pediatric or baby sleep consultants, but there are numerous other niches in which you could choose to specialize. From adult sleep to those with special needs or disabilities, choosing a specific group of the population to help will enable you to focus your studies and become an expert in your field.
Be sure to thoroughly check any information you intend to pass on for both its validity and safety, as the internet is full of outdated and dangerous misinformation regarding sleep – especially when it comes to baby sleep training.
Most sleep consultants work for themselves and create their small businesses for their clients. In contrast to a traditional, employed career, this does require a few extra steps before you can begin earning money as a sleep consultant. You’ll need to create a website and promote yourself to attract your clients and spread the word about your services.
A rewarding career
Although it can be an unconventional route, becoming a sleep consultant is a rewarding and exciting career. Good quality sleep is extremely important for our health, and so sleep consultancy is something that many people rely on to help them manage sleep disorders, create a better routine, or manage their lives with a new baby or small children.
