Dan Caffrey
Senior Editor and Certified Sleep Science Coach

I’m a Certified Sleep Science Coach and the Senior Editor at Sleepopolis, where I edit the site’s roundups and focus on content optimization. I got my MFA in Playwriting from the University of Texas at Austin, and you can see my theatre work being produced around the country. I also co-host two popular horror podcasts on the Bloody Disgusting Podcast Network — The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast, and Halloweenies: A Horror Franchise Podcast.

How I Sleep: I always start on my back, but find myself switching to my side right as I’m about to nod off. Our dog Hank shares the bed with my wife and I, so I wonder if I’ve become a combination sleeper by necessity.

Pro Tip: A common tip for side sleepers is to place a pillow between your knees to prevent any discomfort. But I’ve found that wearing pajama pants can be just as effective.

Livvi DiCicco
Staff Writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach

I’m a Staff Writer for Sleepopolis, focusing on writing and editing sleep-based content wherever the site needs me. My friends call me a napping fiend, so it’s no surprise I ended up in the sleep world. I graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in English & Creative Writing. Aside from sleep content, I enjoy writing speculative fiction and Regency England works.

How I Sleep: I move around a lot, mostly flipping between my back and side. We might even call it “thrashing,” which is why I love my bouncy bed.

Pro Tip: If you must nap, make sure it is only 20 to 30 minutes long and between the hours of 1:00 to 4:00 PM, so you don’t screw up your sleep schedule.

Nicole Davis
Senior Director of Content and Certified Sleep Science Coach

I’m the Senior Director of Content at Sleepopolis in charge overseeing our roundups, reviews, comparisons, testing methodologies, and other published content. I love to bake sourdough bread, work out, and chase the elusive 90+ sleep score—a true challenge with my three little girls at home.

How I Sleep: I’m exclusively a side sleeper (and early riser).

Pro Tip: Noise machines are not just for babies! I started using one when my youngest was born, and I’ve never looked back.

Ben Emminger
Performance Editor and Certified Nutrition Coach

My specialty on Sleepopolis is editing our library of roundups and reviews with an added emphasis on content optimization. Essentially, I ensure our reporting is accurate and up-to-date with the latest products and testing results from our team of experts. When not working, you can most likely find me outdoors tending to my garden or finishing whichever DIY project I’ve taken on as of late.

How I Sleep: I’m a combination sleeper, though I’ve been trying my best to adopt a back-sleeping position.

Pro Tip: Don’t “lounge” in bed and reserve your time on your mattress solely for sleep. This can build better sleep-wake associations in your brain, making it easier to turn off your thoughts once your head hits the pillow at night.

Melanie Kassel
Managing Editor and Certified Sleep Science Coach

As Managing Editor on Sleepopolis, I oversee the creation of our content from the product-testing phase all the way through publishing. I’ve been writing and editing pieces about sleep hygiene, mattresses, and related topics for several years. My first sleep gig was in 2019—I freelanced as a copywriter for a sleep tracker company—and I’ve been fascinated by the science behind snoozing ever since.

How I Sleep: I’m a combination back and side sleeper. I fall asleep on my side, but I always wake up on my back. Like most folks, I prefer a medium-firm mattress.

Pro Tip: Charge your phone outside of your bedroom and get a separate alarm clock to wake you up. It doesn’t have to be fancy! This has really helped me to decompress before bed and avoid scrolling in the mornings.

Cory Kessler
Senior Performance Writer

I’m a Performance Writer for Sleepopolis who helps keep product recommendations up-to-date across our vast library of reviews, roundups, and comparison pieces. As a former classroom teacher, I enjoy combining my love for learning and sharing knowledge with writing content that helps people live their best, healthiest lives.

How I Sleep: I’m usually a strict side sleeper, and don’t typically move at all once I fall asleep. 

Pro Tip: Sheet quality is an underrated part of getting a good night’s rest. Finding the material that feels best and keeps your temperature regulated is a game-changer.

Sosha Lewis
Editor and Certified Sleep Science Coach

I’m an Editor for Sleepopolis and a Certified Sleep Science Coach.  I’m happy that I’m able to combine my love of sleep with my love of writing. I’ve also has had articles featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer. My weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.

I live in Charlotte, NC with my husband, daughter, and lovable trash-panda of a dog, Olive.

How I Sleep: I always start on my side, but often flip to stomach at some point.

Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble falling asleep or need to drown out a partner’s snoring, try a “sleep podcast”. Some of my favorites are: Phoebe Reads a Mystery, Drifting Off with Joe Pera, and Sleep with Me. These podcasts are filled with soothing voices and less than thrilling stories…the perfect antidote for sleeplessness.

Riley Otis
Staff Writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach

I’m a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis working closely with our performance and SEO teams to ensure content quality. I write and edit roundups and reviews to bring you the most accurate and up to date information. I’m a firm believer that there’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep, so I love helping people find the best products for their sleep sanctuary.

How I Sleep: I’m a combination sleeper. I’m constantly rolling around and switching positions in my sleep.

Pro Tip: If you struggle to turn off your brain at night, try turning on white noise while you sleep. This gives your brain something to focus on other than your racing thoughts.

Kenny Timper
Senior Staff Writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach

I’m a Senior Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. I test mattresses and write about them so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good night’s sleep. When I’m not testing and writing about mattresses and other sleep products, you can find me hiking, biking, or enjoying mosh pit retirement at your local heavy metal concerts.

How I Sleep: I’m a stomach sleeper through and through.

Pro Tip: Try to cut out caffeine completely (crazy, I know). If that’s not possible, try to avoid drinking coffee or soda in the afternoon or evening. Combine that with at least an hour of walking every day, and you’ve got a recipe for sleep success!

Caine Wilkes
Performance Editor and Certified Nutrition Coach

I’m a Performance Editor for Sleepopolis who’s been helping test out and review mattresses for two years. Additionally, I’m an Olympian in the sport of weightlifting, so I have firsthand experience regarding the importance of sleep and recovery—for everyday life as well as athletic competition.

How I Sleep: I’m mostly a back sleeper, although I’ll sometimes fall asleep on my side.

Pro Tip: Start to wind down before you go to bed. About 30 minutes before bed, turn off electronic devices, read a book, and start to relax. That way, you can be ready to rest and chill when you actually get in bed.

Abby Wood
PR Strategist

Hey! I’m Abby, strategist for the content marketing and digital PR team at Sleepopolis. My role revolves around developing effective strategies to enhance our content and strengthen our online presence.

How I Sleep: I typically fall asleep on my side but occasionally wake up on my back. My dog, Dutton, shares the bed with me so my sleeping position frequently relies on him!

Pro Tip: If your mind is racing at night, try writing down the thoughts that are keeping you awake. Putting them on paper can help you relax so that you can enjoy a night of restful sleep.