Curriculum

Module 1 – Foundations of Healthy Sleep (2 Hours)

Learning Objectives

Develop a solid understanding of normal sleep physiology and why restorative sleep is essential for physical, mental, and emotional health.

Topics

• Why sleep matters
• Sleep architecture (NREM & REM)
• Circadian rhythm and biological clocks
• Sleep pressure and homeostasis
• Melatonin and cortisol
• Chronotypes
• Sleep across the lifespan
• Consequences of chronic sleep deprivation
• Sleep and overall health

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Module 2 – Sleep Assessment & Screening (2 Hours)

Learning Objectives

Learn how to perform a structured sleep assessment, identify common sleep problems, and recognize situations requiring medical referral.

Topics

• Comprehensive sleep history
• Sleep diaries
• Sleep environment assessment
• Lifestyle assessment
• Fatigue versus daytime sleepiness
• Shift work and jet lag
• Screening questionnaires
  • Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
  • Epworth Sleepiness Scale
  • Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)
• Red flags requiring referral
• Scope of practice for the Clinical Integrative Health Coach

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Module 3 – Sleep Hygiene & Behavioral Sleep Coaching (3 Hours)

Learning Objectives

Apply evidence-based behavioral interventions that help improve sleep quality and establish sustainable healthy sleep habits.

Topics

• Evidence-based sleep hygiene
• Bedroom optimization
• Evening routines
• Morning light exposure
• Screen time and blue light
• Exercise timing
• Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
• Napping strategies
• SMART goal setting
• Habit formation
• Motivational Interviewing for sleep behavior change
• Coaching adherence and accountability

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Module 4 – Lifestyle Medicine for Better Sleep (3 Hours)

Learning Objectives

Understand how lifestyle interventions influence sleep quality and how to create personalized sleep optimization plans.

Topics

• Nutrition and sleep
• Meal timing
• Blood sugar stability
• Caffeine management
• Alcohol and sleep
• Physical activity
• Yoga for sleep
• Stress physiology
• Breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Yoga Nidra
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Mindfulness techniques
• Circadian rhythm optimization

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Module 5 – Common Sleep Disorders & Referral Guidelines (2 Hours)

Learning Objectives

Recognize common sleep disorders and understand when referral to a physician or sleep specialist is appropriate.

Topics

• Acute and chronic insomnia
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Parasomnias
• Circadian rhythm disorders
• Narcolepsy (overview)
• Menopause-related sleep disturbance
• Chronic pain and sleep
• Anxiety, depression, and sleep
• Referral criteria
• Interprofessional collaboration

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Module 6 – Sleep Pharmacology for the Clinical Integrative Health Coach (4 Hours)

Learning Objectives

Develop a practical understanding of common sleep medications and supplements to support informed coaching while remaining within professional scope of practice.

Topics

Principles of Sleep Pharmacology

• Why physicians prescribe sleep medications
• Benefits versus risks
• Acute versus chronic treatment
• Shared decision-making
• Medication safety principles

Prescription Medications

• Z-drugs
  • Zolpidem (Ambien)
  • Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
  • Zaleplon (Sonata)
• Benzodiazepines
• Orexin receptor antagonists
• Melatonin receptor agonists
• Sedating antidepressants
• First-generation antihistamines
• Off-label medications used for insomnia

For each medication class:

• Mechanism of action
• Clinical indications
• Benefits
• Side effects
• Contraindications
• Dependence potential
• Patient education
• Coaching considerations

Over-the-Counter Products & Supplements

• Melatonin
• Magnesium
• Glycine
• L-theanine
• Valerian
• Chamomile
• Lavender
• Ashwagandha

Topics include:

• Evidence of effectiveness
• Safety
• Drug interactions
• Contraindications
• Appropriate expectations

Drug Interactions & Safety

• Alcohol
• Cannabis
• Opioids
• Polypharmacy
• Falls
• Cognitive impairment
• Complex sleep behaviors
• Dependence and withdrawal

Myth vs Evidence

Evidence-based discussions of common beliefs such as:

• “Sleeping pills are always addictive.”
• “Natural supplements are always safe.”
• “Alcohol improves sleep.”
• “Melatonin works for everyone.”
• “CBD is proven for insomnia.”

The CIHC Role

• Working alongside physicians
• Supporting medication adherence when appropriate
• Lifestyle optimization
• Recognizing adverse effects
• Appropriate referral
• Professional boundaries

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Module 7 – Integrative Therapies for Sleep Optimization (2 Hours)

Learning Objectives

Explore evidence-informed complementary therapies that can support healthy sleep and improve patient well-being.

Topics

• Yoga therapy
• Ayurveda and sleep routines
• Meditation
• Yoga Nidra
• Breathwork
• Aromatherapy
• Relaxation therapies
• Massage
• Evening routines
• Integrative care planning
• Evidence supporting complementary therapies

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Module 8 – Clinical Coaching, Care Planning & Documentation (2 Hours)

Learning Objectives

Integrate assessment findings into personalized coaching plans while documenting care professionally and collaborating with healthcare providers.

Topics

• Sleep coaching session structure
• Care planning
• SMART goals
• Follow-up scheduling
• Monitoring progress
• Documentation (SOAP notes)
• Patient education
• Clinical case studies
• Ethical practice
• Interprofessional communication
• Final competency assessment

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Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

• Explain the physiology and science of healthy sleep.
• Perform structured sleep assessments using validated screening tools.
• Develop individualized, evidence-informed sleep coaching plans.
• Apply behavioral and lifestyle interventions to improve sleep quality.
• Recognize common sleep disorders and identify appropriate referral pathways.
• Understand the indications, benefits, risks, and limitations of common sleep medications and supplements.
• Confidently discuss sleep pharmacology with clients while remaining within the Clinical Integrative Health Coach scope of practice.
• Integrate nutrition, stress management, yoga, Ayurveda, and complementary therapies into personalized sleep optimization programs.
• Document coaching encounters professionally and collaborate effectively with physicians and other healthcare providers.