KU Sleep Disorders Research

09/09/2026

Sleep is essential for your body and your brain. Are you getting 7-9 hours every night?

08/27/2026

Welcome Anna Baklanov!

Anna is the Clinical Research Assistant for the Sleep Disorders Research Unit. She recently received her Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry from the University of Kansas. She has moved back to Kansas City to join sleep medicine research.

It has been fulfilling for her to contribute across translational and observational studies. She recruits participants and coordinates visits for our obstructive sleep apnea studies. Also, she provides support for our idiopathic hypersomnia and narcolepsy investigational clinical trials. Working in sleep medicine has given her a new sense of appreciation for clinical research and the importance it holds in advancing evidence-based medicine!

08/11/2026

Sleep and obesity are deeply interconnected, influencing everything from cardiometabolic health to the development and progression of sleep disorders.

A new Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine review explores these bidirectional relationships, emerging therapies for obesity, and the role of integrated treatment approaches for patients with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Lead author, Christopher N. Schmickl, highlights the growing importance of obesity management in sleep medicine:

"Sleep and obesity can no longer be managed in separate silos. Just as statins became a core component of cardiovascular care, effective obesity management is becoming an essential competency in sleep medicine, with important open questions remaining about how best to integrate incretin-based therapies alongside established treatments such as CPAP."

Read the full review here: https://hubs.la/Q04s18bx0

08/03/2026

Meet Erin Pickert!

Erin is the Clinical Research Coordinator for the Sleep Disorders Research Unit. She received her bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in 2024 and her Master's in Public Health with a Health Behavior concentration from Brown University in 2026. She recently returned to Kansas City to join the team in studying sleep medicine research.

Erin takes part in many different aspects of sleep disorders research but focuses primarily on investigational drug studies for those with idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) and Narcolepsy Type 1 and 2. She additionally takes part in other observational and translational studies focusing on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). She is passionate about bringing research opportunities to patients in the Midwest and learning more about how we can better understand and promote sleep health.

07/30/2026

07/28/2026

Our Sleep Disorders Research Team is growing!

We’re pleased to welcome two new members joining us as a research coordinator and research assistant. They’ve been working hard this summer to get up to speed, and we’re grateful for the support they’re already bringing to our work. Stay tuned for upcoming posts spotlighting each team member!

07/16/2026

Springing Forward, may be left in the past! With lawmakers recently pushing toward permanent daylight savings time, we spoke with one of our sleep medicine providers, Dr. Saurav Luthra, on what this change could mean for our sleep and health.

Q: How does the current biannual daylight saving schedule affect sleep health?

- Dr. Luthra: The twice-yearly time changes disrupt our circadian rhythm, leading to poorer sleep quality, increased daytime sleepiness, and reduced alertness for several days after the transition. The spring shift, in particular, has been associated with increases in motor vehicle accidents, cardiovascular events, and workplace injuries due to acute sleep loss.

Q: What is your reaction to the U.S. House passing legislation that would establish permanent daylight saving time?

- Dr. Luthra: While eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes is a positive goal, permanent daylight saving time is not the ideal solution from a health perspective. It would result in darker mornings for much of the year, especially during winter, which can negatively affect sleep, alertness, and circadian alignment.

Q: Can you discuss why permanent Standard Time may be preferred over permanent daylight saving time from a sleep medicine perspective?

- Dr. Luthra: Permanent Standard Time is more closely aligned with the body's natural circadian rhythm because it better matches the timing of sunrise and natural light exposure. Morning sunlight is the strongest cue for regulating our internal clock, promoting healthier sleep, improved daytime alertness, and better overall physical and mental health. It is especially beneficial for children and adolescents, as we want them traveling to school and starting their day with natural morning light rather than in darkness. Morning light supports healthy circadian rhythms, improves alertness and learning, and may enhance safety during the morning commute.

Thank you Dr. Luthra for sharing his perspective on this pertinent story! For more Sleep Medicine insights, follow .luthra on Facebook and Instagram.

06/04/2026

Great article featuring one of our teams’ sub-investigators, Dr. Stewart!

Though still in its infancy, the study of what happens to our brains while we are asleep is critical to promoting good health.

05/30/2026

Yesterday marked the last day for our Research Assistant, Julia! Over the last year, Julia has played a key role in helping our team grow, including helping launch and enroll the very first participants in our NIH-funded ENNVISA study. She has also served as our team’s in-house social media manager during her time.

Luckily for the team, Julia will be attending The University of Kansas School of Medicine this fall to pursue her MD and plans to continue collaborating on research with our team.
We are grateful for all her hard work, dedication, and commitment to advancing sleep medicine. Please join us in wishing Julia the very best with her exciting next chapter!

05/27/2026

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, but is not currently on treatment, this research study may be of interest. The ENNVISA Study is researching night-to-night variability of this breathing disorder. Help us learn more about your sleep and contact [email protected] or fill out this form https://redcap.kumc.edu/surveys/?s=HRJ7DTE7Y8N3FLCX to determine eligibility!