Media and PR
As a psychotherapist with expertise in sleep, mental health, and psychotherapy, I frequently appear in the media on podcasts and am a sought-after speaker at live events. In addition, I serve as the official spokesperson for UKCP on all sleep-related matters. If you’re interested in having me appear or speak at your event, please don’t hesitate to contact me using the contact form.
The secret to a good night’s sleep, with Heather Darwall-Smith
Heather reveals why sleep apps and trackers can be counterintuitive, the small daily habits that can transform our slumber, and how we can properly achieve rest.
https://lizearlewellbeing.com/podcast/good-nights-sleep-heather-darwall-smith/
My Weekly – How To Be Awake
How To Be Awake by sleep specialist Heather Darwall-Smith who argues the biggest factor in whether we sleep well is how we spend our waking hours and shows how to create a personalised day-to-night sleep plan.
https://www.heatherdarwallsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/My_Weekly_25th_Feb.pdf
Nine things to do to help you sleep through the night
The harder you chase it, the further it runs’ – an expert’s guide to getting proper rest
https://www.heatherdarwallsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-i-paper-26th_Feb.pdf
I’m a psychotherapist – stop doing this if you’re lying awake at 3am
Sleep expert Heather Darwall-Smith said what we do during the day can have a big impact on sleep
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/health/im-psychotherapist-stop-doing-youre-9970851
Your sleep is affected by what you do during the day. Here’s how
Sleep experts detail how you to get better rest at night by doing these things in the day
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/sleep-troubles-day-impacts-night-expert-b2704210.html
Is hot-desking keeping you up at night? How the office affects your sleep, and what to do about it
What’s the first thing you blame when you can’t sleep? Your bedtime routine? The comfort of your sheets? Your partner’s snoring? You’re probably not putting it down to the office you’ve been in all day. But according to a sleep expert, the modern office environment could be affecting our sleep more than we realise. Here’s why, and what we can do about it.
https://www.stylist.co.uk/health/sleep/office-lights-hot-desking-work-sleep-impact/964660
The eight ways to get a really good night’s sleep
Heather Darwall-Smith is an expert on why we struggle to switch off at the end of the day — it’s because we scare ourselves awake, she tells Anna Maxted. Plus: how to work out your true sleep needs
https://www.heatherdarwallsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-eight-ways-to-get-a-really-good-nights-sleep.pdf
I suffered from Insufficient Sleep Syndrome for almost a DECADE – and lost my job, friends and family
Here are the tricks experts recommend to get enough shut-eye
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14327419/I-suffered-Insufficient-Sleep-Syndrome-DECADE-lost-job-friends-family-tricks-experts-recommend-shut-eye-including-maximum-temperature-bedroom-needs-be.html
Seasonal Affective Disorder May Affect More People This Year
Here's How To Prevent And Manage It
https://www.healthdigest.com/1037556/seasonal-affective-disorder-may-affect-more-people-this-year-heres-how-to-prevent-and-manage-it
Bedtime procrastination
How to stop delaying and get a better night’s sleep
https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/bedtime-procrastination-causes-how-to-stop/729243
Exposure to Natural Light During the Day May Help You Sleep Better
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/exposure-to-natural-light-during-the-day-may-help-you-sleep-better
Don’t drink coffee after 2pm
And 12 other steps to have a good sleep
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/dont-drink-coffee-after-2pm-29038441
Hormonal hacks that work
https://www.stylist.co.uk/fitness-health/wellbeing/hormones-tips-free-balance-wellbeing-health/766493
I’ve been sleep talking for 23 years
Can doctors help me finally stop?
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/sleep-talking-cure-advice-insomnia-b2467942.html
Sleep disorders
19 conditions explained including insomnia, sleep paralysis, sleep apnoea and narcolepsy
https://www.nationalworld.com/health/sleep-disorders-insomnia-sleep-paralysis-sleep-apnoea-narcolepsy-4062324
I’m stuck in the 3am anxiety trap and I desperately need to find my way out
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/wellbeing/sleep/escape-the-3am-anxiety-trap-and-get-back-to-sleep/
The cult of 5am
Is rising at dawn the secret of health and happiness?
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/jul/08/the-cult-of-5am-is-rising-at-dawn-the-secret-of-health-and-happiness%20%20
Obstructive sleep apnea may directly cause early cognitive decline
https://www.psypost.org/obstructive-sleep-apnea-may-directly-cause-early-cognitive-decline/
CBT for insomnia: how does it work?
https://patient.info/news-and-features/cbt-for-insomnia-how-does-it-work
Is maladaptive daydreaming a sign of mental illness?
https://patient.info/news-and-features/is-maladaptive-daydreaming-a-sign-of-mental-illness
I Tried Lucid Dreaming To See If It Would Improve My Waking Life
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/how-to-lucid-dreaming
I go to bed at 6am and wake up at 3pm
Life with delayed sleep phase disorder
https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/delayed-sleep-disorder-bed-wake-up-2573674
Hit snooze, Sunak
Why early riser Rishi might want to rethink his morning routine
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/rishi-sunak-sleep-wake-up-b2403404.html
Slept badly last night?
These 5 hacks can help you get through the day
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/sleep/a45117554/sleep-deprived/
Is there a perfect time to wake up in the morning?
Experts explain
https://www.stylist.co.uk/health/sleep/perfect-time-to-wake-up-early-rising-benefits/868614
6 best sunrise alarms for beating the winter blues
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/sleep/g45870985/best-sunrise-alarms/
I was insomniac for years
Having a baby cured me
https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/i-was-insomniac-for-years-having-a-baby-cured-me-3024821
I’ve been sleep talking for 23 years
Can doctors help me finally stop?
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/sleep-talking-cure-advice-insomnia-b2467942.html
Are persistent nightmares a sign that something is wrong?
Sleep experts explain
https://www.stylist.co.uk/health/sleep/nightmares-meaning-health/926971
Can a 9pm bedtime cure me of my constant exhaustion?
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a60175480/9pm-bedtime/
Six tips to get a good nights sleep this winter
https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/31322414/six-tips-sleep-winter-clocks-go-back/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3dq6L1DlNRP0zoIFUIct__VJY40tp_5croVkW5iwJJ8qEf5i-wp2zkAm8_aem_nbjKkWDEkaghiCx-4K5EAw%20%20
Is maladaptive daydreaming a sign of mental illness?
https://patient.info/news-and-features/is-maladaptive-daydreaming-a-sign-of-mental-illness
I Tried Lucid Dreaming To See If It Would Improve My Waking Life
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/how-to-lucid-dreaming
Slept badly last night? These 5 hacks can help you get through the day
Because a solid seven to nine hours can be as elusive as a sunny bank holiday
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/sleep/a45117554/sleep-deprived/
6 best sunrise alarms for beating the winter blues
Wake up on the sunny side of the bed with these tried and tested sunrise alarms
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/sleep/g45870985/best-sunrise-alarms/
I’ve been sleep talking for 23 years – can doctors help me finally stop?
Death, cats and premature declarations of love: Ellie Muir’s lifelong sleep talking problem seemed to traverse every topic. She talks to an expert to find out what’s behind her nighttime nattering
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/sleep-talking-cure-advice-insomnia-b2467942.html
TikTok’s viral sleepy girl mocktail: What is it and can it really help you to fall asleep? Experts explain
The ‘sleepy girl mocktaill’ has gone viral on TikTok and promises anyone who drinks it a good night’s sleep – but can that really be true?
https://www.nationalworld.com/lifestyle/tiktok-viral-sleepy-girl-mocktail-asleep-experts-explain-trending-4489409
Contributor to the Mirror
Here’s how much sleep you actually need to be properly rested and stay healthy
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/heres-how-much-sleep-you-25609883
Quoted in the Daily Mail
I could do that in my sleep!
https://www.dailymail.co.uk
Quoted in Elle Magazine
7 Best Weighted Blankets
https://www.elle.com
Quoted in The Irish News
The people who clean and even garden all in a state of deep sleep
https://www.irishnews.com
Quoted in Sunday Edit
How to Recognise and Deal With High-Functioning Anxiety
https://edit.sundayriley.com
Contributed to The Telegraph
Ten expert tips for a better night’s sleep
https://www.telegraph.co.uk
Contributed to Stylist
8 easy ways to start sleeping better, according to science
https://www.stylist.co.uk/health/sleep/how-to-sleep-better-science/528989
Featured in The Sun
From avoiding TV to no nightcaps, how to never have a bad night’s sleep again
https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/15228690/how-to-never-have-bad-nights-sleep/
Featured in The Daily Mail
Confessions of a bedtime procrastinator: Do you put off heading for bed or find yourself cleaning the house at midnight?
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-10030603/Confessions-bedtime-procrastinator-CLAUDIA-CONNELL-tries-way-break-habit.html
Contributed to Stylist
8 simple ways to improve your sleep for good, according to science
https://www.stylist.co.uk/health/sleep/how-to-sleep-better-science/528989
Featured on Patient Info
Do naps count as sleep?
https://patient.info/news-and-features/do-naps-count-as-getting-good-sleep
Featured in The Mirror
Seven tips to getting a good night’s sleep and the best time to nap during the day
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/seven-tips-getting-good-nights-24457909
Quoted for Refinery 29
Can Lucid Dreaming Improve My Waking Life?
https://www.refinery29.com
Contributor for Happiful
How to reset your sleep schedule in three days
https://happiful.com
Featured on News 24
Has Covid affected your sleep? Here’s how viruses can change our sleeping patterns
https://www.news24.com
Contributor to Daily Mail
The women who only realised they had been raped MONTHS later.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail
Contributor to Metro
Why does background noise help us sleep – and is it healthy to rely on it?
https://metro.co.uk
Contributor to Metro
The psychology of voicemails: are they really dead?
https://metro.co.uk/2021/12/06/the-psychology-of-voicemails-are-they-really-dead
Contributor to The Independent
Want more sleep but can’t stop staying up late? You might be guilty of sleep procrastination
https://www.independent.co.uk
Contributor to The Sun
I still suffer night terrors – I see dead babies, ghostly men and even zipped myself INSIDE a suitcase when I was asleep
https://www.thesun.co.uk/men/
Quoted in Glamour
Had one too many late nights over the festive period? Here’s how to get your normal sleeping pattern bac
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/get-sleeping-pattern-back-to-normal
Contributor to Woman & Home
Which direction is best for sleep? This feng shui principle may help you fall asleep quicker
https://www.womanandhome.com/health-wellbeing/which-direction-is-best-for-sleep/
Featured on Patient info
How to fix your sleep schedule with a healthy bedtime routine
https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-fix-your-sleep-schedule-with-a-healthy-bedtime-routine
Quoted on Health Digest
Seasonal Affective Disorder May Affect More People This Year. Here’s How To Prevent And Manage It
https://www.healthdigest.com
Featured in Stylist
Bedtime procrastination: how to stop delaying and get a better night’s sleep
https://www.stylist.co.uk
Quoted on Healthline
Exposure to Natural Light During the Day May Help You Sleep Better
https://www.healthline.com
Quoted in The Mirror
Don’t drink coffee after 2pm – and 12 other steps to have a good sleep
https://www.mirror.co.uk
Featured in Stylist
How to improve hormonal health: Easy hacks to try – Stylist
https://www.stylist.co.uk
Quoted in The Telegraph
I’m stuck in the 3 am anxiety trap and I desperately need to find my way out
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/mind/escape-the-3am-anxiety-trap-and-get-back-to-sleep/
Contributor to National World
What are the different types of sleep? Non-REM and REM sleep stages defined, plus the sleep cycle explained
https://www.nationalworld.com
Contributor to National World
Sleep disorders: 19 conditions explained, including insomnia, sleep paralysis, sleep apnoea and narcolepsy
https://www.nationalworld.com
Patient Info
CBT for insomnia: how does it work?
https://patient.info/news-and-features/cbt-for-insomnia-how-does-it-work
Patient Info
Is maladaptive daydreaming a sign of mental illness?
https://patient.info/news-and-features/is-maladaptive-daydreaming-a-sign-of-mental-illness
Contributor to The Midst on Substack
Afraid your life is ordinary? You might have koinophobia
https://themidst.substack.com/p/koinophobia-in-midlife
Contributor to iNews
‘I go to bed at 6am and wake up at 3pm’: Life with delayed sleep phase disorder
https://inews.co.uk
Contributor to The Independent
Hit snooze, Sunak: Why early riser Rishi might want to rethink his morning routine
https://www.independent.co.uk
As seen in Woman’s Health
Slept badly last night? These 5 hacks can help you get through the day
https://www.womenshealthmag.com
Appeared on The Peaceful Soul
The Physical Wellbeing 5
https://peacefulsoul.co/the-body/physical-wellbeing-5-interviews/heather-darwall-smith/
Online interview with The Peaceful Soul
Interviewed by Professor Sarah Niblock, CEO of the UK Council for Psychotherapy,
https://peacefulsoul.co/the-body/physical-wellbeing-5-interviews/heather-darwall-smith/
Catch Yerself On Podcast
Struggling to sleep? Understanding insomnia
https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/catch-yerself-on-rosalind-skillen-8B-RVf3YvSk/?srsltid=AfmBOooWKuFG2js5i60bn6XdHDV5A0bAKcusJslqzAzBcF_uEFoN05Y_#google_vignette
Chris Bordoni Re-invent-ed
https://chrisbordoni.com/heather-darwall-smith/
UKCP: Sweet Release of Sleep
Interviewed by Professor Sarah Niblock, CEO of the UK Council for Psychotherapy,
https://www.psychologies.co.uk/how-to-get-a-good-nights-sleepa-podcast-with-ukcp/
Owning It: The Anxiety Podcast with Caroline Foran
Let’s Talk Insomnia + Anxiety
https://shows.acast.com/owningittheanxietypodcast/episodes/lets-talk-insomnia-anxiety
Live Webinar for Robert Half International
7 tips for better health and well-being at work
US book event for The Science of Sleep
https://www.anunlikelystory.com/event/darwall-smith
Live event for Innermost
Sleep Well By Innermost: The Highlights
Summer at Great Alne Park – Did You Sleep Well?
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/warwickshire/the-amphitheatre-at-great-alne-park/summer-at-great-alne-park-did-you-sleep-well-with-heather-darwall-smith/e-zjkdqe
Chipping Norton Literary Festival
https://www.chiplitfest.com/author/heatherdarwallsmith
