Derry sleep coach knows the importance of a good night's sleep

Newly qualified adult sleep Emmett Lynch, says he has been aware for some time just how problematical getting a good night’s sleep is for some people.

Speaking to The Derry News, Mr Lynch, whose background is in health, in the community - voluntary and health and social care sectors, added: “The one thing that struck through all that time, whenever we were doing health assessments and health work, be it around physical activity, nutrition, health literacy, mental health or alcohol, was that sleep came up repeatedly.

“People were constantly telling me, ‘I had a very bad night’s sleep’ or ‘I don’t sleep’ or ‘I have terrible trouble sleeping, there are nights I just lie awake staring at the ceiling’, he added.

“I remember thinking, ‘I am hearing this everywhere’ and I became curious. I know what it’s like when you don’t get a good night’s sleep.

“The next day your concentration is out the window. Your patience is out the window. You will probably find your appetite is affected as well. You will probably be eating the greatest load of rubbish the next day.

“I remember saying to myself, ‘If I get a bit of free space, I will go back and train as a sleep coach’. I also did some research to find out if there was a need for such a person.

“That is when I discovered a NI Mental Health Foundation study had found one in three people in Northern Ireland identified they were having problems with their sleep.

“That study echoed my experiences, so I took the plunge and trained as a sleep coach. It took me nine months. I did it online, in my own time and I have now received my Sleep Consultant Practitioner Diploma.

“I have now set up an Instagram account - @adultsleepcoachni - and I have reached out to sports people and teams and podcasters.

“I just want to let people know what sleep coaching can do for them. Initially it might appear nichey but the reality is we all sleep and we all need it. The reaction so far has been pretty positive. I have been invited on to two podcasts.”

Emmett has been a guest on The Public Nuisance Podcast hosted by professional boxer Sean McComb, where he spoke about sleep and performance in sport.

“We had a great conversation about how sleep could improve his performance in boxing and in general for anyone who is a sportsperson,” added Mr Lynch.

“I was essentially saying, a good, consistent sleep routine can improve everyone’s performance, everyone can benefit from good sleep.

“I was also on the Whiskey and White Podcast which is hosted by boxers Tyrone McKenna and Tommy McCarthy, just raising awareness about the importance of sleep.

“I was encouraging people to prioritise their sleep and their night, rather than see it as just something that they do at the end of the day.

“I believe if you get your sleep into a good routine, you are going to boost your metabolism, you are going to boost your immune system. You are going to wake up feeling better the next day. Your motivation, your concentration, your focus is a lot better.

“I always say to people, ‘After a good night’s sleep, you have a wee bit of extra rose in your rose-tinted glasses’. You see things a wee bit differently.”