Dr Michelle is an NHS-trained insomnia specialist and a neuroscientist Ph.D.
I am an NHS-trained CBT-I specialist and a neuroscientist with a PhD - and founder of The Sleep Sphere.
I trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) within the Insomnia and Behavioural Sleep Medicine Clinic at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) NHS Trust — the first dedicated clinic of its kind in the UK — under the supervision of Dr David O’Regan, consultant psychiatrist in sleep medicine and Dr Hugh Selsick, its founder and lead clinician. This training involved direct clinical observation and the supervised delivery of CBT-I to patients with chronic insomnia. I also trained with Professor Jason Ellis, Director of the Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research and one of the UK's leading researchers in behavioural sleep medicine.
Prior to founding The Sleep Sphere, a significant part of my career was spent as a research scientist at University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital, where I held a Senior Research Associate post. Following a degree in Physiology and a PhD in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology at Trinity College Dublin, I worked for over a decade in cognitive neuroscience and EEG research, contributing to UK-wide studies on brain and cognitive development. My research has been published in international peer-reviewed journals and recognised with academic awards - you can view my publications here.
Part of this work involved working closely with children who were blind or visually impaired. It was through this - and the significant sleep difficulties these children and their families experienced - that my interest in sleep as a specialism first developed.
On a more personal level, I have experienced periods of debilitating insomnia myself since childhood, so I have a direct understanding of how exhausting and persistent insomnia can feel. I have applied these approaches personally, and that experience has deepened my understanding of what supports real, lasting change.
As the founder of The Sleep Sphere, my work brings together my background in neuroscience with specialised clinical training in insomnia treatment. The focus is not on quick fixes or passive solutions, but on understanding how insomnia develops, what maintains it, and working in a clear, structured way to restore sleep - equipping you with the tools and confidence to manage it independently over the long term.
Many clients come to me having already tried apps, digital programmes, or AI-based tools. When persistent insomnia requires more than technology can offer, specialist clinical expertise - grounded in neuroscience and delivered by a human who has been there - makes a meaningful difference.
Memberships
I am a member of The British Sleep Society and The Perelman School of Medicine (University of Pennsylvania)’s CBT-I International Directory
Media
I have spoken about sleep and insomnia for the BBC World Service , contributed to podcasts including e.g., Everyday Neuro, The MSingLink, and written for publications such as Women’s Health.
You can read what clients say about their experience below
“My sleep is much improved since the course and I am confident to say that I’m no longer suffering with insomnia.”
— Collette C, London.