Serious science for luminous sleep and brighter brains.

A smiling woman with long, wavy brown hair, wearing a navy blue and white dress, standing by a large window with a cityscape in the background.

Dr. Yo-El Ju is a neurologist, sleep medicine doctor, scientist, and professor. She is internationally recognized for her research on the connection between sleep and brain health, particularly how sleep may serve as both a risk factor and early warning system for neurodegenerative diseases. Through this site, she shares insights from science and medicine to help the public better understand the power of sleep for lifelong brain health.

[Read more about Dr. Ju.]

Bedtime Blueprint: A simple routine to sleep better tonight

Feel wired at bedtime? Struggle to switch off after a hectic day? This 5-step, science-backed bedtime routine is designed for busy people like you. Learn to unwind, fall asleep faster, and wake up refreshed.

Subscribe for your free copy of Bedtime Blueprint. You will also get updates* and a chance to read an advance copy of my upcoming book, Luminous: The 100-day, science-backed sleep glow-up for women at every age.

*No more than once per month, and no spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.

Posts

8 Habits that Support Great Sleep: Sleep hygiene basics

Everyone sleeps, but deep, high-quality, refreshing, great sleep takes some effort.

Whether you’re a decent sleeper already or you’ve been struggling with mediocre nights for years, a few habits done consistently have enormous payoffs for your sleep. Try these top 8 sleep hygiene habits. You won’t regret a great night of sleep!

Nighttime Nasal Congestion: Causes, treatments, and what really works

Nighttime nasal congestion is one of the most common and frustrating barriers to good sleep. Many people breathe ok during the day, only to feel completely blocked the moment they lie down.

Problems with congestion spike during seasonal allergy season, which then get amplified at night due to a combination of allergic, physiologic, and environmental factors.

Continue reading to learn about the causes, treatments, and practical tips to reduce nighttime congestion.

Teas for sleep

For centuries, cultures around the world have turned to herbal teas (tisanes) for their calming effects. I visited with Kateri Meyer, owner and proprietor of Traveling Tea, a local tea shop, to taste some sleepy teas and talk about the science and traditions behind teas.

Interview with Dr. Eric Topol

Interview with Dr. Eric Topol about all things sleep for his website and podcast at Ground Truths.

School start times

Want to know one hugely impactful way to improve sleep and brain health in a whole city or state?

It’s having schools start at a healthy time — a time that lines up with students’ circadian rhythms.

Melatonin 101

Melatonin is one of the most common over-the-counter remedies for sleep, and one of the topics I get the most questions about. Widespread use doesn’t mean melatonin is harmless, effective, or appropriate for everyone. Before you reach for another gummy, it’s worth understanding how melatonin works and how to maximize its effect.