"How To Be Awake So You Can Sleep Through The Night"

"How To Be Awake So You Can Sleep Through The Night"
With Heather Darwall-Smith

Summary
Sleep, it turns out, is not something you can bully yourself into.

If you’ve ever gone to bed earlier, tried harder, downloaded another app, and still found yourself staring at the ceiling like it’s a philosophical problem – this talk is for you.

Instead of focusing on night-time rituals, we’ll look at what happens in the other 16 hours of your day. Because poor sleep is often less about what you’re doing at night, and more about how you’re (not quite) awake during the day.

We’ll explore how modern life quietly flattens your sleep drive, why your brain gets its timing confused, and why effort is often the thing making it worse. You’ll leave with practical ways to build a day that actually makes sleep possible.


Bio
Heather is a UKCP psychotherapist specialising in sleep and neurodiversity. She works with adults experiencing insomnia, circadian rhythm disruption and ADHD- related sleep difficulties, combining behavioural sleep science with psychological insight. Her approach focuses on reducing shame, increasing self-understanding and building flexible, realistic strategies that work for different brains. She regularly speaks on sleep, mental health and neurodiversity, translating research into engaging, practical conversations that audiences can immediately apply in everyday life.

Venue:
Old Queens Head, Islington
44 Essex Rd, London
N1 8LN

Event Running Time:
(we recommend arriving at 6:30pm latest if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only)
Doors from 6pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm

Food:
If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts.

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is always the option to purchase food at our events.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet friendly?

Yes, we allow pets to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.