Career Options for Jobs that Involve Sleeping
Sleep is essential for people. A good night's sleep can make a difference in how alert a person is, and lack of sufficient sleep can affect a person's mood and health. Some people may also have medical conditions that can affect their sleep, and they may need to be monitored or to use special medical equipment while sleeping. There are a number of professions that involve working to make sure people have what they need to get a good night's sleep, or ensuring the safety of people while they sleep.
| Job Title | Median Salary* (2020) | Job Growth* (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Lodging Managers | $56,670 | -12% |
| Respiratory Therapists | $62,810 | 19% |
| Registered Nurses | $75,330 | 7% |
| Polysomnographic Technologists | $44,090 (for Neurodiagnostic Technologists)** | 8% or higher (for Neurodiagnostic Technologists)** |
| Retail Sales Workers | $27,320 | 0% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **ONet Online
Career Information for Jobs that Involve Sleeping
Lodging Managers
Lodging managers may be able to enter the field with a high school diploma and practical experience gained by working in a hotel or lodge; however, a certificate or associate's degree may be preferred by some employers, and larger lodges and hotels may only consider applicants who have a bachelor's degree. They oversee the operations of hotels, motels and other places where people stay while traveling. Their job involves ensuring facilities are clean and prepared for guests; since guests sleep at these facilities they are also involved in ensuring that the facilities are quiet and equipped with appropriate bedding so that guests are comfortable. They may also provide other sleep-related services, such as wake-up calls.
Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists work with people who have breathing issues. This includes working with people who have sleep apnea. A respiratory therapist helps their patients by showing them how to use equipment that will help them breathe. They also perform tests or procedures related to a patient's breathing. Respiratory therapists in all states but Alaska need to be licensed, and they are required to have an associate's degree.
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses must be licensed, and they must also complete postsecondary training to earn a nursing diploma or an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing. They are directly involved in providing medical care to patients; those who work in hospices, nursing homes or hospitals may also be involved in monitoring patients while they sleep; in some cases they may need to wake patients during the night to give them medications or to address a medical issue. Neonatal nurses work with babies, and may spend much of their time monitoring newborns while they sleep.
Polysomnographic Technologists
Polysomnographic technologists perform tests on people while they sleep. The goal of their work is to determine what types of sleep disorders are affecting patients so that they can be properly diagnosed. Polysomnographic technologists help prepare patients for tests and then monitor the testing equipment while the patient sleeps. They normally need to have an associate's degree to prepare to work in this field.
Retail Sales Workers
Retail sales workers can enter the field with a high school diploma, and they typically learn the skills involved in this job once employed. Those who opt to specialize in selling furniture or mattresses may learn a lot about these products and how they affect people's sleep. A good mattress salesperson can help their customers find the right bed for their sleeping preferences.
