Who are sleep coaches?

Sleep coaches are a burgeoning provider group. An analysis of pediatric sleep coaches listed on the Internet found that most of the 100 such coaches, all of whom have taken a certification or training program, are clustered in 8 states (California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington); 44% have no postsecondary education; and more than half have no previous healthcare or educational experience. These practitioners treat night wakings, inconsistent naps, early rising, and bedtime resistance. Fees range from $84 per person for a group session to $1115 for an overnight package (Ingram DG, et al. J Pediatr. 2015;166[2]:487-489). 

Recommended: Can food labels induce parents to order fewer fast-food calories for their kids?

Ms Freedman is a freelance medical editor and writer in New Jersey. She has nothing to disclose in regard to affiliations with or financial interests in any organizations that may have an interest in any part of this article.