How to become a Sleep Practitioner
Sleep Practitioners, sometimes referred to as Sleep Consultants, are there to resolve problematic sleep issues and aid parents in establishing sleep routines in young children.
Parents can achieve superior rest by utilising sleep packages created by Sleep Practitioners. Such packages will encourage rest or by creating positive associations with sleep in a child’s mind.
The role of a Sleep Practitioner is invaluable. Children that cannot or will not sleep can experience developmental concerns. Sleep deprivation can also have a significant impact on the mental and physical well-being of parents.
Day to Day Tasks
- Discuss the needs and concerns of a parent, either in person or over the telephone
- Understand and empathise with the challenges posed by disrupted sleep
- Observe and review the sleep patterns of a child or children, feeding back on your findings. You may be required to stay overnight in the home of your client
- Building sleep plans for the family to follow and reviewing their success
Salary & Working Hours
Sleep Practitioners are typically self-employed. You can set your rate card and working hours. Due to the nature of the role, your schedule will involve at least some night working. Most Sleep Practitioners charge for a full-service sleep package, as this is not necessarily a role that lends itself to hourly billing.
When considering the charge for your sleep packages, ask yourself the following questions.
- Does your asking price reflect your experience and qualifications?
- How much do similar Sleep Practitioners in your area charge?
- Once you have factored in tax repayments and expenses, such as travel and marketing, are you still earning a reasonable wage?
An example of a sleep package you can offer to a prospective client could be:
- An initial consultation, lasting around 30 minutes
- One overnight stay in the client’s home to observe sleep patterns
- The creation of a dedicated sleep plan, with goals and targets to measure success
- Contact throughout the week, ideally consisting of 5 emails, to discuss progress
- Final consultation to discuss the next steps
We consider £450 to be a fair price for this package, though the previously discussed caveats will still apply.
Required Qualifications
As the role of a Sleep Practitioner is unregulated, there is no formal qualification required to undertake this work, and so anyone can call themselves a sleep practitioner or consultant. However, parents will understandably expect to see some evidence of your experience and expertise.
Furthermore, modern sleep practice is underpinned by many research studies and so completing an up to date course will provide you not only with the skills and knowledge to carry out this role, but will also put you in good stead to maintaining relevancy through onward continuous professional development.
It is also advisable to hold a paediatric first aid certificate to provide further peace of mind to parents.
Career Progression
Sleep Practitioners will always be required, especially for first-time parents struggling with a lack of rest. Once you have established your business and reputation, earning potential is limitless. An experienced Sleep Practitioner can also seek consultancy work with the NHS or a private paediatric clinic.
