Cognitive Behavioral Health Coaching

for Sleep Health

NBWHC-Approved

About the course:

This 12-hour advanced training prepares NBHWC-certified coaches to support individuals
experiencing sleep challenges such as insomnia, poor sleep hygiene, and stress-related sleep disturbances. Through a cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) lens, participants will explore the psychological, behavioral, and environmental contributors to sleep problems. Coaches will gain tools to help clients improve sleep quality, restore circadian rhythms, and implement sustainable sleep-promoting habits.

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Course Overview

Estimated Course Length:  12

CE Credits:  12

Course Includes

Materials:

    • Sleep Coaching Toolkit
    • Sleep Hygiene and CBT-I Workbook –
    • NBHWC Scope and Ethics Reference
    • Peer-reviewed literature and coaching tools

Instructional Format:

Pre-recorded Lectures/Webinars:

    • Video Content: Instructors record lectures, presentations, or demonstrations that
      learners can watch at their convenience. Including slides, visual aids, and sometimes
      demonstrations of coaching techniques. 
    • Narrated PowerPoints: Similar to video lectures, these are often PowerPoint
      presentations with synchronized audio narration by the instructor.
    • Recorded Webinars: Previously live webinars that have been recorded and made
      available for asynchronous viewing.

Reading Materials:

    • Course Manuals/E-books: Comprehensive written materials that delve into the
      course topics, theories, and practical applications.
    • Articles and Research Papers: Curated readings from academic journals, industry
      publications, or reputable sources to provide in-depth information and evidence-based
      perspectives.
    • Case Studies: Written scenarios that describe client situations, allowing learners to
      apply theoretical knowledge to practical coaching challenges.

Discussion Forums (Facilitated Asynchronously):

    • While not synchronous, discussion forums allow for interaction among learners and
      with the instructor (or a teaching assistant) over time.
    • Instructor Moderation: A qualified instructor or facilitator typically monitors and
      participates in the forums, answering questions, guiding discussions, and providing
      insights.
    • Peer-to-Peer Learning: Learners can post questions, share experiences, and respond
      to others’ comments, fostering a sense of community and collaborative learning.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs) and other professionals supporting clients with sleep-related challenges. The target audience includes coaches working in primary care, behavioral health, integrative and lifestyle medicine, chronic disease management, workplace wellness, and community health settings. It is especially relevant for those helping individuals experiencing insomnia, irregular sleep-wake cycles, stress-related sleep disruption, or sleep impacted by chronic conditions such as anxiety, depression, obesity, or pain.

This course provides science-based coaching strategies to promote healthy sleep behaviors, circadian rhythm regulation, and client-driven lifestyle change—all within the NBHWC Scope of Practice.

Prerequisite:

NBHWC Certification

Instructional Method:

Asynchronous/On-Demand

Accessibility Accommodations:

Closed captioning of all audio and video components. In order to request further accessibility accommodations, please email: CKing@toivoacoaching.com

Completion Requirements:

To successfully complete the program and demonstrate mastery in an asynchronous learning environment, participants will be evaluated on the following:

    1. Completion of all modules: All assigned course modules and associated learning activities must be fully completed.
    2. Demonstration of coaching skills utilizing CBT-informed strategies: Participants will actively apply and showcase coaching skills through practical exercises and assignments, grounded in CBT-informed approaches.
    3. Successful completion of the final quiz (requiring a score of 80% or higher): A comprehensive final assessment will measure understanding of core concepts and program content, requiring a minimum passing score of 80%.
    4. Proactive engagement and integration with instructor feedback: Participants are expected to actively incorporate feedback received from instructors into their ongoing development.
    5. Submission of a reflective essay (minimum 300 words) on personal coaching growth: A written essay reflecting on the participant’s journey and evolution as a coach throughout the program, demonstrating critical self-assessment and learning

Participation Costs:  $400

Course Creation Date:  8/8/2025

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

    • Understand the fundamentals of sleep physiology and sleep cycles
    • Identify key factors that contribute to chronic sleep difficulties
    • Apply CBT-I-informed coaching tools for sleep restructuring and stimulus control
    • Coach clients through common barriers such as racing thoughts, anxiety, or poor sleep
      hygiene
    • Integrate trauma-informed and culturally responsive sleep coaching practices
    • Demonstrate coaching competence through supervised practice
    • Recognize clinical thresholds requiring referral to sleep specialists

Course Outline:

Instructional Modules

Module 1: Sleep Physiology and Common Sleep Disorders (1.5 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 1.1, 1.2
    • Stages of sleep and circadian rhythm
    • Insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome overview
    • Health impacts of chronic sleep disruption

Provides foundational knowledge about sleep biology and common disorders, enabling coaches to recognize relevant issues and understand their impact on wellness within the coaching scope.

Module 2: Emotional and Behavioral Factors in Sleep Health (1.5 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.1, 2.2
    • Stress, anxiety, and sleep interaction
    • Rumination, fear of not sleeping, and behavioral conditioning
    • Building empathy and trust in sleep coaching

Enhances coaches’ ability to address emotional and behavioral factors affecting sleep, fostering client trust and a supportive coaching relationship.

Module 3: CBT-I Strategies and Coaching Tools (2 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.4, 4.2
    • Sleep restriction and stimulus control
    • Cognitive restructuring and thought journaling
    • Sleep hygiene education and relaxation techniques

Equips coaches with evidence-based cognitive-behavioral tools and education strategies to support clients in improving sleep behaviors aligned with health and wellness coaching principles.

Module 4: Coaching Clients Through Setbacks (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 3.5, 4.3
    • Navigating short-term regressions and sleep anxiety
    • Encouraging adherence to routines and behavioral plans

Supports coaches in maintaining client motivation and resilience during challenges, consistent with best practices in health and wellness coaching.

Module 5: Culture, Environment, and Sleep Equity (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 2.2, 4.5
    • Environmental barriers and systemic influences on sleep
    • Coaching across cultures and living conditions

Promotes culturally sensitive coaching approaches that consider systemic and environmental factors impacting sleep health and equity.

Module 6: Case-Based Coaching Lab (1 hr)

Relevant Core Competencies: 3.1, 3.3
    • Sleep-focused coaching simulations
    • Structured reflections

Provides experiential learning to refine coaching skills such as active listening, adaptability, and client-centered support.

Module 7: Supervised Practicum (4 hrs)

Relevant Core Competencies: 3.4, 3.5, 4.4
    • Recorded coaching practice
    • Evaluations from instructors.
    • Final debrief and written self-assessment

Facilitates integration of course content into practice through direct observation, feedback, and reflective self-assessment, strengthening coaching competence aligned with NBHWC standards.

CE Information:

Toivoa Coaching has been approved by the NBHWC to provide continuing education for National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (CEP #XXXXX).

Course Number: XXXX

Experts:

Dr. Alex Kirk, Clinical Psychologist, PhD

Dr. Brenda Buffington, EdD, NBC-HWC

Christopher King, BA Psychology, NBC-HWC

Laura Randa, BS Education, M.P.A-Healthcare

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