Starting a new career can feel daunting, especially when it involves working with families during some of their most challenging moments. But for Gemma Coe, the Child Sleep Specialist, becoming a sleep consultant wasn’t just a career change—it was life-changing.
In this special Q&A, Gemma shares her journey from sleep-deprived mum to sleep consultant, how she built a successful business, and her advice for anyone considering this rewarding path.
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Daisy: Gemma, can you start by telling us a little about yourself and your background before becoming a sleep consultant?
Gemma: Before I became a sleep consultant, I had a career in medical education and public health, with postgraduate degrees in education and research. I always had a deep interest in sleep science, having experienced my own sleep struggles—including adult nightmares, restless leg syndrome, and periodic limb movement disorder. At one point, I even had a sleep study done in hospital, which really sparked my curiosity about how sleep works.
But it wasn’t until I had my own children that sleep became deeply personal—and my career took a completely new direction.
Daisy: What inspired you to become a sleep consultant?
Gemma: Absolutely. My fascination with sleep science turned into a survival mission when I had my two children, Elodie and Charlie, just 19 months apart.
Both of them had complex medical issues—including CMPA, reflux, colic, and dysphagia—which meant constant night wakings, hours spent holding them upright, and full bed changes multiple times a night. Sleep deprivation hit me hard, and I felt completely overwhelmed.
It was during this time that I realised just how much misinformation surrounds baby sleep. Some experts push rigid, outdated sleep training methods, while others act like any sleep intervention is wrong—leaving parents stuck in the middle, feeling guilty no matter what they do.
That’s when I knew I wanted to create a space where parents could get practical, evidence-based sleep support—without guilt, pressure, or judgement. I could pull from all my years of experience in the health and education field too.
Daisy: Did you have any worries or doubts about becoming a sleep consultant in the beginning?
Gemma: Oh, absolutely! Retraining while parenting a baby wasn’t easy! I studied during night feeds, nap times, and late into the evenings. I remember one summer in the UK, sitting there with my books, trying to absorb research while juggling everything else and knowing the time was ticking down on Elodie’s nap length!
But the passion kept me going. I trained extensively, gaining my certification as a sleep specialist, and continue to maintain my professional development so I could offer the best support possible.
Of course, I had doubts—Would I get clients? Would I be able to make this work as a career? But I knew that families desperately needed balanced, guilt-free sleep support, and that gave me the push I needed.
Daisy: What was your training experience like, and how did it prepare you for working with families?
Gemma: My training covered infant sleep science, sleep training methods, sleep regressions, and safe sleep practices—but what made the biggest impact was the real-world experience of working with many families during my training.
The case studies with families during my training were invaluable. Sleep isn’t just about following a method—it’s about understanding a child’s temperament, parenting styles, medical history, and family dynamics. When you’re working with people, especially sleep deprived parents, things don’t always go to plan so you have to be able to think on your feet.
Daisy: Can you share a moment when you realised you had truly made a difference for a family?
Gemma: One of the most fulfilling moments in my work is when I help school-age children who are struggling—not just with sleep, but with their behaviour, emotions, and ability to cope at school.
I’ve worked with families where parents were at their wit’s end, unsure how to help their child who was constantly exhausted, emotional, and struggling to focus in class. After working together and making changes to their sleep routine, I’ve had parents say:
“Gemma, they’re a different child now!” or “I was so worried about them before, but now I feel like I’ve got my child back.”
That kind of transformation never gets old. Seeing families go from completely overwhelmed to feeling in control again—watching children become happier, calmer, and more engaged simply because they’re getting the sleep they need—is exactly why I do what I do.
Daisy: Many people worry about making a career change or starting a business. What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a sleep consultant?
Gemma: Reach out to others. Build your network—talk to other sleep consultants, small business owners, and people who’ve made similar career shifts. Get a fresh perspective!
But most importantly, surround yourself with positive people. If you spend time around those who put doubts in your head, it will be so much harder to move forward. Instead, connect with those who believe in you and push you to go for it.
Daisy: What’s one big misconception about sleep consultants you wish more people understood?
Gemma: That sleep training = cry-it-out.
This is such a huge misunderstanding. Sleep consultants don’t just follow one method—we adapt to each family’s needs, parenting style, and comfort level.
I don’t even use CIO in my work, and most parents who come to me are actively looking for an alternative. That said, I would never shame anyone for using it—because that’s just not fair.
We need to remove the mum guilt and judgement that’s so often tied to sleep training. Parents reaching out for help deserve support, not criticism.
Daisy: Where should someone start if they’re considering becoming a sleep consultant?
Gemma: Google, Google, Google! The best way to start is by researching the industry—look at both established sleep consultants and smaller startups. What do you love about their approach? What doesn’t appeal to you? Reach out and ask them for a chat; many are happy to share insights.
Next, explore training providers carefully—not all sleep consultant courses are created equal. Think about what feels like a good fit for you. Do they offer real-world experience? Are they accessible when you need support? Take advantage of opportunities to speak to them before committing.
Most importantly, take it at your own pace—let yourself absorb the information, be creative, and trust that you’ll find your own unique approach. Set manageable goals and build.
Daisy: Finally, for those interested in becoming a sleep consultant, where should they start?
Gemma: If you’re serious about becoming a sleep consultant, start by downloading this free guide from The Parenting Experts Academy:
📌 5 Easy Steps to Starting a Sleep Consulting Business
This will walk you through the steps when becoming a sleep consultant how to get started, what training to look for, and how to turn your passion into a career.
Final Words From Daisy @ The Parenting Experts Academy:
If Gemma’s journey has inspired you and you’re considering a career in sleep consulting, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to help.
Becoming a sleep consultant is an incredibly rewarding path, offering flexibility, purpose, and the chance to truly make a difference for families. If you have any questions about training, the industry, or what it’s really like to work as a sleep consultant, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to chat! Get in touch here.
