We Do Not Sell Sleep. We Restore Vigil.
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Breath
A Different Approach to Sleep
I'm not here to diagnose you. I'm here to support a change in how you view and live around sleep.
My background isn't in clinical medicine. I worked many years in a world of high-stakes commercial deals with relentless demands and the kind of pressure that can follow you home long after the working day has ended.
I understand the pressures of demanding environments. My personal studies in sociology and philosophy has helped me greatly throughout my life and yet it has also taught me something important: recognising our need to slow down and actually knowing how to do so are two very different things.
I've always been drawn to the ancient ways of living. And as I watch a world hurtling forward at an extraordinary pace, I find myself returning to one conviction: we were not designed to live at this velocity.
In 2025, I completed training in sleep coaching and Ikigai facilitation. My experience also includes facilitating grief-support programmes, where I learned the importance of listening, patience and meeting people where they are.
I'm relatively new to professional sleep coaching, and I make no attempt to disguise that. My first four clients have completed my five-week programme and shared encouraging feedback. That is a modest but meaningful beginning.
What I offer is not a medical consultation dressed up as coaching. It is a structured, personal approach to changing the habits, pressures and daily rhythms that may be standing between you and better rest.
What working with me looks like
We begin with a detailed sleep and lifestyle questionnaire. I personally review your answers before our 40-minute consultation, where we explore your current patterns, pressures, routines and circumstances.
This isn't a generic checklist or a sales conversation.
You receive my considered attention, an honest assessment of where coaching may help and practical recommendations suited to your lifestyle.
If we decide to work together, my five-week programme provides structure, guidance and accountability as you begin putting those changes into practice.
Because understanding what might help your sleep is one thing. Making meaningful changes in everyday life is another.
What I promise—and what I don't
I won't promise to cure your insomnia, diagnose a medical condition or suggest that coaching replaces appropriate healthcare.
If your symptoms indicate a need for medical assessment, I will recommend it.
I won't offer quick fixes, miracle remedies or one-size-fits-all solutions.
What I will offer is thoughtful attention, honest guidance and a practical framework for developing healthier habits and a more considered relationship with rest.
You don't need another person telling you to get eight hours of sleep. You need someone willing to understand how you're living and help you make realistic changes.
The Art of Sacred Rest
I believe a rest economy is emerging in response to a world that has forgotten how to stop.
The intentional cultivation of peace, rhythm and genuine rest is certainly not my invention.
It is my discovery. The door was already there. I simply help hold it open.
Begin your personal Sleep & Lifestyle Assessment $57.
Vigil’s Peace Keeper Julie Hignett
Testimonials
Annelise Taylor, Mother of 5
“5/5 stars. I have had the pleasure of working with Julie for the past 5 weeks, and it has been an incredibly positive and eye-opening experience. Her sleep program includes a combination of morning and bedtime breathing exercises, journaling with prompts, and a simple honey and nutmeg remedy before bed, which I have thoroughly enjoyed incorporating into my night-time routine. Julie is so lovely and easy to talk to, and her constant check-ins via calls and messages were fantastic for keeping me accountable. On the nights where I get distracted and haven’t done the steps, I notice a massive difference in the quality of my sleep. The methods are such easy things to do that don’t take a lot of effort and are easy to incorporate into daily life. It has been incredibly effective. I would highly recommend this program to anyone, and of course recommend Julie as a coach!”
Mate Glamuzina, Consultant
“I had the pleasure of working with Julie recently, having had difficulty with sleep following a significant injury. This had led to me waking 4 to 5 times a night, often with pain or agitation. While I had explored a lot myself, Julie was still able to offer alternative approaches, but what really stood out for me was her approach and genuine care in wanting to help me. During the program I had my best sleep in years, only waking once and having no pain. Since the program I’ve found I’m no longer waking as often, as I have a different view on my sleep situation.”
David Harris, ExMilitary
“I am so pleased that I tried out Julie’s sleep coaching. For many years I’ve known that my sleep wasn’t very good and tried many natural sleep remedies with no success. Julie showed me that I was getting 2 to 4 hours of broken sleep per night. What a surprise. I am now most nights getting 4 or more hours of unbroken sleep! I’m so grateful and highly recommend Julie Hignett’s sleep coaching.”
Why VIGIL is Different
In a world that rewards constant productivity and a culture that has a habit of claiming “exhaustion” as a badge of honour, millions are left struggling with poor sleep, chronic fatigue, and burnout. Vigil offers a different path.
I've long been fascinated by salutogenesis—the study of what supports health and wellbeing, rather than focusing solely on what causes illness.
That distinction matters.
I don't believe sleep is merely a biological mechanism to be managed. Sleep is a gift, not another achievement to chase.
And while modern sleep science has much to teach us, I believe we have also lost sight of something remarkably simple: the relationship between how we live, how we rest and how we attend to what matters.
My approach draws upon ancient Christian wisdom, practical sleep education and personalised lifestyle coaching.
Orthodox in frame, grounded in human nature and unconventional by design.
Our coaching is designed for those living with long-term insomnia, burnout, stress-related sleep disruption, racing thoughts, and persistent fatigue. Together, we work towards realistic changes that fit your life, supported by guidance, encouragement and accountability.
We don't promise perfect sleep. We don't replace medical care. And we certainly don't ask you to perform peace.
We help you cultivate the conditions for rest, while remembering that rest itself is not a prize to be won.
We must stop asking, “How can I make myself sleep?” & begin asking, “How can I live in a way that makes room for rest?”
Vigil exists for those who are tired of being tired, for those who know there must be a better way. Sleep should not end in collapse it should begin in your restoration.
Initiate Your Sleep Coach
Submit the inquiry form to tell Julie about your sleep journey. She will help make sense of a broken sleep pattern and map out the practical steps to get you back to restful nights.