Since launching in 2024, the Meritain Health® Sleep Health Coaching Program has been celebrating some big wins. The innovative program initiative, part of Case Management services from American Health Holding (AHH), addresses the critical impact sleep has on overall health and recovery. Sleep-related issues affect how well people recover from surgery and other medical procedures. They also greatly impact productivity and engagement in the workplace.
In its second year, the Sleep Health Coaching program welcomed new leader, Mary Godwin, Associate Case Manager and Certified Sleep Coach. The team is also rapidly expanding to meet demand—actively recruiting more coaches to help patients. They currently support an average of 40 to 50 referrals per month, maintaining 100 to 120 open cases at any time. Cases typically get resolved within six to eight weeks, a testament to the program’s efficiency and strong patient engagement.
Coaches making a real-life difference
Though still relatively new, the Sleep Health Coaching program has been making a real difference in the lives of members. Here are some notable first-year outcomes:
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- Helping a patient recover from vivid nightmares and sleep paralysis. During the initial call following the patient’s thyroid cancer surgery, coach Deborah Tysor conducted a comprehensive sleep assessment. She was able to identify parasomnia as the cause of the patient’s symptoms, rather than sleep apnea, which was previously suggested. By educating the patient and introducing sleep and gratitude journaling, the patient’s nightmares dropped dramatically. Their sleep quality improved and the patient felt empowered—even during cancer recovery.
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- Offering education to support a patient with frequent wake ups, difficulty falling back asleep and constant fatigue. Coach Tiffany Prickett provided education on healthy sleep habits. These included the importance of keeping a consistent sleep schedule and the effects of late-night eating and exposure to light before bed. Prickett also introduced exercises such as cognitive shuffling and the four-seven-eight breathing technique. As a result, the patient began going to bed earlier and experienced better sleep quality. In fact, they found the cognitive shuffling exercise to be so effective, the patient even shared this tip with friends and family.
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- Encouraging a sleep apnea patient through continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device adoption. Coach Jeremi Graham provided education and encouragement which empowered the member to take proactive steps toward better sleep health.
First-year measurable impacts
In its inaugural year, the Sleep Health Coaching Program proved its effectiveness in delivering personalized, evidence-based support. Highlights of the first-year results include:
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- 70 percent of participants reporting better sleep within three months.
- 50 percent fewer participants using sleep medications.
- Fewer workplace accidents and errors.
- Savings (estimated) ranging from $500 to $1,200 per participant per year in recouped productivity.
Want to learn more or explore how Sleep Health Coaching may benefit your organization? Contact your Meritain Health representative today.
