Feb. 17, 2023

When Cali Bahrenfuss asks, “How did you sleep last night?” she really wants to know the answer.

That’s because Bahrenfuss, who has been a sleep technologist for about 20 years now, is familiar with the physical, emotional and mental issues that can stem from a consistent lack of zzzzzz’s.

She started Delta Sleep Coaching last month to help people suffering from insomnia. Using a technique called cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, or CBTI, Bahrenfuss helps people bring an end to their sleepless nights.

“There’s so much the general public doesn’t know about how easy it is to improve insomnia symptoms,” she said.

Bahrenfuss is registered as a sleep technologist and is certified in clinical sleep health. Her past experience includes managing sleep labs, operating a CPAP medical supply store, directing a regional sleep conference for sleep technologists, analyzing sleep studies for hospitals and clinics across the United States and participating in research studies for the U.S. military and large tech companies.

She now coaches insomnia sufferers through Delta Sleep Coaching, which leads clients through a structured and evidence-based program. Her services offer online coaching and individual phone calls.

Insomnia is largely a self-diagnosed ailment, Bahrenfuss said. It includes poor sleep habits, difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep and not feeling well rested.

“Typically, if it happens consistently three days or more a week, we’d say that’s insomnia, not just one bad night,” Bahrenfuss said.

She experienced insomnia herself when she was working the overnight shifts at sleep clinics. After three 12-hour shifts, she would return home and flip-flop her schedule to be back on track.

“I didn’t know how to fix it. I wasn’t educated enough to know an easy way to turn things around,” she said. “Once I realized there is an easy approach to combat insomnia, I realized I had to switch focus and help others.”

Delta Sleep Coaching uses CBTI to minimize symptoms of insomnia through cognitive and behavioral interactions. People with insomnia may develop a fear of bedtime, telling themselves they’ll be unable to sleep. Cognitive interactions help them understand the negative associations that have occurred and undo those.

Behavioral interactions involve diving into the person’s typical behaviors and patterns in the daytime and at night to determine if they negatively impact sleep.

“We typically make changes one or two at a time,” Bahrenfuss said. “That makes it very easy for them to make small changes in a timely manner and not have to do too many things at once.”

The National Institutes of Health, the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend CBTI as the first line of care for insomnia. The Sleep Foundation has said CBTI can be 70 percent to 80 percent effective in people with primary insomnia.

Most sessions offered through Delta Sleep Coaching generally last four to eight weeks, Bahrenfuss said.

She will place her initial focus on offering Delta Sleep Coaching’s services in the local area. Because it is virtual, it easily can be expanded nationwide. She has certified specialists waiting to serve as sleep coaches as her business expands.

“Most people think in order to improve their insomnia they have to go to a clinic or doctor’s office,” Bahrenfuss said. “Especially in rural areas, they don’t realize they don’t have to fix it on their own or travel to a bigger city to get this program.”

Bahrenfuss supports sleep studies, however, saying they are essential in diagnosing multiple sleep disorders.

“I want people to understand that there is a very easy and evidence-based approach to improving their insomnia,” she said. “This is easy and convenient, and they can try this first.”

Delta Sleep Coaching has a variety of programs offered for corporations and smaller businesses, including lunch-and-learn sessions for employees and corporate discount offerings. Improving employees’ sleep habits will increase productivity and morale and boost business, Bahrenfuss said.

Delta Sleep Coaching also can be made part of an employee assistance program. While insurance likely won’t cover the costs, health spending accounts can be used to pay for the service, Bahrenfuss said.