About Ayan

Performance Consultant & Sleep Specialist

Meet Ayan Merchant

M.A., M.Sc., PhD, GMBPsS

Ayan is a Performance Consultant with experience in working with athletes and clients across different sports and work environments. She holds an MSc in Psychology of Sport from the University of Stirling, Scotland and an MA in Psychology with a specialisation in Clinical Psychology from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara.

She holds a PhD in Cardiovascular Sciences from the University of Glasgow, with a focus on sleep, dietary intake, and food preferences.

Ayan specialises in promoting individuals' overall development and well-being, helping them achieve their best. She is a graduate member of the British Psychological Society, the British Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences, and the British Sleep Society, and a certified practitioner of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia.

As a sport psychologist and sleep specialist, Ayan aims to support individuals and athletes in reaching their full potential by fostering mental resilience, enhancing performance, and promoting overall well-being.

Ayan Merchant

Qualifications & Expertise

Academic Excellence

  • PhD in Cardiovascular Sciences - University of Glasgow
  • M.Sc. in Psychology of Sport - University of Stirling, Scotland
  • M.A. in Psychology (Clinical) - Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
  • B.A. in Music (Kathak Dance) - 7 Gold Medals

Professional Memberships

  • GMBPsS (Graduate Member of British Psychological Society)
  • British Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences
  • British Sleep Society
  • Certified Practitioner of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia

Areas of Expertise

  • Sport Psychology & Performance Consulting
  • Sleep Therapy & CBT-I
  • Athlete Development & Coaching
  • Leadership Training & Team Building

Research & Publications

  • Athlete development and coaching behaviours
  • Coach-athlete relationships
  • Sleep and dietary intake research
  • Food preferences and cardiovascular health

Professional Philosophy

As a psychologist and consultant, Ayan is known for her hands-on approach. She has led numerous training programs and projects on leadership, psychological assessments, behavioural interventions and sporting performance. She focuses on providing evidence-based therapeutic practices tailored to the unique needs of individuals and teams to help them overcome barriers, develop effective coping mechanisms, and maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

Through collaboration, continuous education, and advocacy for mental health, she strives to contribute to a culture that values and prioritises the psychological well-being of all individuals and athletes.

Personal Achievements

A journey of excellence in sports, arts, and community service

Athletic Background

Former district-level basketball player with extensive coaching experience in multiple sports including basketball, field hockey, rugby, handball, and skiing.

Music & Arts Excellence

B.A. in Music (Kathak Dance) awarded with 7 gold medals, demonstrating exceptional dedication to the classical dance form and its cultural significance.

Community Service & Leadership

Ayan volunteers at Rotary International as a member of the Rotary Club of Baroda District 3060. As a Rotaractor, she served as the founding president of the Rotaract Club of Vadodara in 2011 and participated as a Rotary International Youth Exchange Student to France (District 1780) in 2008 and to Germany (District 1940) in 2013.

Professional Memberships

Affiliations and professional body memberships

Graduate Member of British Psychological Society (GMBPsS)

British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences

British Sleep Society Member

Certified CBT-I Practitioner