Picture this: A hard day's night

At the first Imperial Fringe event, Kerry Noble (Communications and Development) volunteered to take part in an interactive demonstration of sleep research by Professor Mary Morrell’s research group, which looks into breathing disorders that occur during sleep, with the hope of developing new treatments for patients. In particular, the group studies obstructive sleep apnoea – a condition where sleep is regularly disturbed by breathing difficulties. Patients suffer profound daytime sleepiness and are at a greater risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and memory problems.

The Imperial Fringe had a Halloween theme and explored the science of our fears. Kerry’s challenge was to fall asleep in Imperial’s main reception with music playing, a crown milling around, and in full view of Exhibition Road. Here she talks about her experiences...