This week (25/2), we welcomed Dr Lindsay Browning (Trouble Sleeping), an expert in the field of sleep science, who explored the importance of sleep, the consequences of sleep deprivation and the practical steps young people can take to improve their sleep habits.
In a series of illuminating talks delivered to all year groups, pupils had the valuable opportunity to learn about sleep hygiene and the essential role that healthy sleep plays in adolescent life.
Dr Browning is a chartered psychologist, neuroscientist, author and widely respected speaker who holds a doctorate in insomnia from the University of Oxford. She is a qualified sleep specialist who provides therapy based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT I), the leading psychological treatment for sleep difficulties. Her book, Navigating Sleeplessness, has helped many individuals understand and manage their sleep challenges, making her a trusted voice in the field. Her expertise allowed her to communicate complex neuroscience in an engaging and accessible way for students across different age groups.
Throughout the sessions, Dr Browning introduced students to the science of sleep, explaining the different stages, such as deep sleep and REM sleep, and described how each stage supports the developing teenage brain. She emphasised that sleep is not a passive state but a highly active process during which the brain consolidates memories, processes emotions and supports learning. Students were particularly interested to learn that teenagers experience a natural shift in their body clocks, meaning they feel tired later at night and awake later in the morning. While this biological rhythm is normal, it often clashes with school schedules, making healthy sleep habits even more important.
Another important aspect of the discussions centred on the relationship between sleep and performance. Dr Browning explored how the quality and quantity of sleep can influence academic concentration, memory and exam preparation, noting that well-rested students are better able to retain information, solve problems and stay focused for longer periods.
She also highlighted the strong link between sleep and sport, explaining how sleep supports muscle recovery, reaction times and overall physical performance. This gave students valuable insight into how sleep can directly affect both their learning and their extracurricular activities.
Dr Browning also offered practical strategies for improving sleep. She discussed the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, establishing calming evening routines and reducing exposure to screens and bright light before bedtime. She addressed common challenges such as pre sleep worrying and suggested techniques like journaling or relaxation exercises to help settle the mind. Her advice encouraged students to take a proactive approach to their sleep and to view sleep not as a luxury, but as a fundamental pillar of their wellbeing.
The sessions concluded with lively question and answer discussions, during which students asked thoughtful questions about their own sleep patterns, habits and challenges. Many were keen to understand how sleep could be improved during busy exam periods or how to deal with difficulty falling asleep after a long day.
Dr Browning’s visit provided students with the knowledge and tools they need to understand their own sleep patterns and to make informed decisions about their routines.
Mr Tim Waldron
Head of Personal Development
