5 Key Insights On Sleep Health For Coaches & Health Care Providers

Shownotes For Podcast Episode 11: 5 Key Insights On Sleep Health For Coaches & Health Care Providers

In this episode of The Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh is joined by Dr. Nisha Bhopal, a board-certified physician in Psychiatry, Sleep Medicine, and Integrative Holistic Medicine. Dr. Bhopal shares her wealth of knowledge on sleep health for coaches and health care providers, as understanding the nuances of sleep health is vital for supporting clients and patients in enhancing health and well-being. 

The Importance Of Sleep Health Education

Together, Dr. Bhopal and Dr. Singh discuss the lack of formal sleep education in medical (and coaching) education. They highlight the need for understanding different types of sleep disorders, the importance of recognizing signs and symptoms, and how coaches can help their clients advocate and collaborate with health care providers to enhance their sleep health. 

Key Insight #1: Insomnia Isn't Always Insomnia

Dr. Bhopal explains that insomnia symptoms—difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep—are often a sign of other underlying sleep disorders. Conditions such as sleep apnea, circadian rhythm disorders, or Restless Leg Syndrome can all present as insomnia. As health practitioners, it's crucial to "look under the hood" and facilitate a holistic assessment of each situation to be able to help clients and patients find the most suitable treatment.

Key Insight #2: Sleep Issues Are Highly Treatable

Many sleep issues are highly treatable, and it’s important for health and wellness coaches to recognize the signs and know when to refer clients to specialists. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), sleep studies, and other interventions are more accessible now than ever. Even without formal sleep medicine training, coaches and health care providers can provide support for clients and patients to enhance sleep health and offer valuable resources. Importantly, coaches and health care providers need to understand that sleep health is more than just a quality-of-life issue; it directly correlates with mortality and morbidity. Being aware of these risks allows coaches and providers to flag potential dangers and support clients in seeking appropriate medical attention.

Key Insight #3: Don't Forget Lab Work

A comprehensive lab workup can reveal crucial insights into a client’s sleep health. Dr. Bhopal discusses the value of checking for low iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 levels, as these deficiencies can be linked to sleep health disorders.we dive into the CSH framework—a powerful tool in sleep medicine that focuses on circadian rhythm, sleep drive, and hyperarousal. Our guest expert explains how assessing these three areas can help coaches and healthcare professionals understand and address sleep issues.

Key Insight #4: CSH Framework

Dr. Bhopal shares the CSH framework, a comprehensive tool used to assess and improve sleep by focusing on three key processes:

Key Insight #5: Take Care Of Your Own Sleep

Dr. Bhopal emphasizes the importance of self-care for coaches and health care providers, emphasizing that prioritizing sleep allows us to show up fully for our clients and patients.

Takeaways

Sleep issues are not only prevalent, but highly treatable. In our culture, sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality have become normalized, leading many to believe that exhaustion is just a part of everyday life. However, as Dr. Bhopal emphasizes, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are numerous strategies and treatments available to improve sleep health, and coaches have a powerful role in helping clients understand their options, advocate for themselves, and create meaningful changes to enhance sleep quality. The episode also highlights the power of advocacy, listening, and guiding clients toward self-determination, emphasizing that small interventions and informed conversations can make a profound impact on overall well-being.

Interested In Learning More? Exclusive Opportunity To Save 10% On The Clinical Sleep Kit

The Clinical Sleep Kit (CSK) membership gives you the exact tools you need to start implementing real change with your clients right away. With direct mentorship from sleep specialists and a private community of experts and peers by your side, you’ll have support at every step. No more second-guessing—just proven strategies that deliver results, designed by a Harvard-trained sleep medicine physician. Join CSK today and become the sleep expert your clients need to transform their lives. 

We are excited to share that the Center for Health and Wellness Coaches has partnered with Dr. Bhopal and IntraBalance. As a result, you are able to receive a 10% discount to the Clinical Sleep Kit community which you can access exclusively by enrolling in her program by clicking here on our affiliate link and entering the coupon COACH10 at checkout.

The Center for Health and Wellness Coaches only recommends products and services we believe in. However we want you to know that when you purchase a product or service through one of our links, we may receive an affiliate commission at no cost to you. In addition, although we believe in the products and services we recommend, we are not responsible for and do not guarantee or warranty products or services offered by third parties.

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Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction

1:36 - Dr. Bhopal's Journey Into Sleep Medicine

3:57 - Lack Of Sleep Education In Medical Education

5:28 - Sleep Disorders Are Risk Factors For Mental Health Disorders

7:04 - Key Insight #1: Insomnia Isn't Always Insomnia

11:02 - Circadian Rhythm Misalignment

14:21 - Key Insight #2: Sleep Issues Are Highly Treatable

16:08 - Sleep Apnea

19:39 - Optimizing Sleep Hygiene & Building Sleep Confidence

22:43 - Coach Collaboration With Health Care Providers

25:23 - Key Insight #3: Don't Forget About Lab Work

27:27 - Key Insight #4: CSH Framework

33:25 - Key Insight #5: Take Care Of Your Own Sleep

34:34- Takeaways