Julie Penfold

Julie Penfold

Health Writer

Julie writes about health, wellbeing and medical issues for a wide range of titles including Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, Be Healthy, Top Sante, Doctors.net.uk and many more. She is endlessly curious and loves writing about health as there’s always something new to find out more about. She’s also a member of the NUJ, Guild of Health Writers and Medical Journalists’ Association.

Latest articles by Julie Penfold

A woman naps on the sofa during the middle of the day
Can you really ‘catch up’ on lost sleep during the holidays? Two sleep experts weigh in

By Julie Penfold Published

Do your festive plans involve oversleeping and midday naps? Experts explain why the holiday break might not be the chance to make up for several weeks of bad sleep.

Sleep
An image of a man sleeping with his mouth open and snoring next to three images of the causes including: A radiator, condensation and someone with a cold
Snoring gets worse in winter — 5 doctor-recommended tips to reduce it

By Julie Penfold Published

The winter months are linked to an increase in snoring, experts warn — here's why and how to stop

Sleep Problems
A woman lies on her back in a bed that has white bedding, covering her face with one hand.
A healthy gut could be the key to better sleep — 3 expert ways to improve yours

By Julie Penfold Published

A new study has made new connections between gut bacteria and insomnia — we've explored the findings and spoken to an expert for insights.

Sleep
A man fitting a CPAP mask to help his central sleep apnea
What is central sleep apnea and how can you tell if you have it?

By Julie Penfold Published

A sleep scientist and a sleep medicine and pulmonary medicine specialist explain what central sleep apnea is, common symptoms and how to treat it

Sleep Problems
A woman waking up groggy in the morning experiencing sleep inertia
90% of women who have sleep apnea don't know it — here’s what to look out for

By Julie Penfold Published

It’s normally associated with loud snoring, but sleep apnea in women can present quite differently.

Sleep Problems
A woman sat cross legged in her bed stretching and wearing gym clothes
Regulating these 5 sleep hormones can help you fall asleep fast and stop you waking up at night

By Julie Penfold Published

Hormones like melatonin and cortisol control how fast we fall asleep and whether we wake up at night — here's how

Sleep
Woman sleeping on her side
How long does it take you to fall asleep? Expert explains 'sleep latency' and what it says about your health

By Julie Penfold Published

We ask a sleep expert why sleep latency is so important, what impacts it and what it says about your health

Sleep
Bare feet poking out of the covers at the end of a bed
Twitching in your sleep? Expert shares 5 most common causes of hypnic jerks

By Julie Penfold Published

We spoke to an expert to find out why we twitch in our sleep and what hypnic jerks really are

Sleep
A woman sleeping on her side wearing an eye mask
How to get more REM sleep, according to a sleep specialist

By Julie Penfold Published

We ask an expert why REM sleep is so important, what happens if we don't get enough of it and how to get more REM sleep.

Sleep
A woman sleeping on her side smiling
How quitting smoking benefits your sleep in one week, one month and one year

By Julie Penfold Published

We ask an expert how quitting smoking can benefit our sleep and the changes you should expect to see in one week, one month and one year

Sleep

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