Dr. Shelby Harris, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Director of Sleep Health

As a sleep doctor, my mission is to help everyone get a good night’s sleep. As a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine, I’ve treated a wide variety of sleep disorders, including insomnia, nightmares, and narcolepsy, with a focus on non-pharmacological interventions. I’m board-certified in behavioral sleep medicine by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the author of The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia: Get a Good Night’s Sleep Without Relying on Medication.

How I Sleep: I always start on my stomach, then wake up on my back. Getting used to sleeping on my side while pregnant twice was quite an adjustment – and shortly after having my kids, I went straight back to my usual ways!
Pro Tip: Whatever you go to bed with on your mind will be there when you wake up in the middle of the night. I make sure to get things out of my head a good 30 to 60 minutes before bed every night to help quiet my mind. If I wake up and think of something in the middle of the night, I write it down quick and get it out of my head and back to sleep.

Alanna Nuñez
Senior Director of Content

Hi everyone! I’m Alanna, the director of content at Sleepopolis. I oversee the content and brand strategy and lead the team that creates best-in-class sleep health, news, and product reviews. Previously, I was a senior editor at Healthline and the news and features editor at What to Expect Digital. I’ve also worked on staff at Shape.com, Cosmopolitan.com, and more top women’s lifestyle brands. My writing has appeared in Reader’s Digest, LOLA, Prevention, Women’s Health, and more. When I’m not thinking about sleep (I’ve had insomnia since I was 14, so it’s always on my mind), I’m trying – and failing, most days – to write my first book.

How I Sleep: All over the place – while I start out sleeping on my side, I often wake up to find myself sprawled out on my stomach (to the annoyance of my husband and dog!).
Pro Tip: Put your phone down or avoid screens for an hour before bed to get a better night’s sleep (I know, I know, but it really works).

Molly Stout
Head of Content, Brand

Hi! I’m the senior news editor at Sleepopolis. I’ve been a staff writer and editor for InStyle, Cosmopolitan, POPSUGAR, and the NY Daily News, and cover lifestyle, trends, wellness, and all the latest news in the sleep space.

How I Sleep: Without fail, I go to sleep on my side and wake up on my back. I’m determined to find out whether this makes me a side sleeper or back sleeper. Thoughts welcome!
Pro Tip: If you’re like me and really love remembering your dreams, keep a notebook in your nightstand so you can quickly write down all the fun little details (or big feelings) as soon as you wake up.

Matt Schickling
Head of Content, Commerce

I ensure our product reviews, testing methodologies and content direction line up with our readers’ needs. I’m always on the lookout for innovations in the sleep industry to bring our audience the most up-to-date reviews, roundups, and recommendations to improve their relationship with sleep.

How I Sleep: I’m a true combination sleeper, even if my heart calls me to sleep on my side. I prefer a medium-firm mattress, breathable bedding, and a fortress of pillows. Seriously, drown me in pillows. My dog sleeps happily at the foot of the mattress while her own bed collects dust just a few feet away
Pro Tip: Stay off your phone in the bedroom, unless you’re using it to set an alarm. If you struggle to slow your thoughts, go for a book or try some light meditation. That rule changed my sleep for the better.

Dan Caffrey
Senior Performance Editor

I’m a Certified Sleep Science Coach and the senior performance 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.

Jessica Banks
Health Editor

Jessica Banks is the health editor at Sleepopolis. Leading the charge on everything evergreen, she aims to help people get a good night’s sleep whether they’re struggling with a sleep disorder, searching for new sleep-friendly snacks, or trying to catch their best night’s sleep on the go.

How I Sleep: A cave would probably be my optimal sleep environment—I like the room to be pitch black and cool, with my oscillating fan running in the background. I fall asleep on my side but always wake up on my back.
Pro Tip: Try to stick with a consistent nighttime routine and bedtime (yes, on weekends too!). I gave it a try and went from a “bad sleeper” to someone who falls asleep in minutes most nights.

Nichole Mondshein
Lead Reviewer

Hi! I’m Nichole and I’m the Lead Reviewer for Sleepopolis! If you’re in the market to buy a new mattress or just need helpful information on how to get a better night’s rest, then I’m your girl. Sleep impacts everyone’s day-to-day lives, so why not get the best sleep you can? You can also find me over on our Youtube channel as well as Sleepopolis’ TikTok page.

How I Sleep: I’m primarily a back sleeper, but occasionally toss and turn and end up on my stomach from time to time. As a chronic back pain sufferer, I love a firm yet soft, plush mattress, a satin pillowcase (gotta protect the curls), and breathable sheets. I also can’t go to sleep without cuddling my 40-pound cat. We love a pet who can double as a weighted blanket!
Pro Tip: My go-to is I always have to sleep with two thick pillows under my knees to help ease my back pain while still providing me with proper spine alignment.

Kenny Timper
Staff Writer

I’m a 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!

Mary-Elisabeth Combs
Staff Writer

Mary-Elisabeth Combs is a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis covering all things Sleep news. Previously Mary was a writer for CNET, and she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in English. When she’s not writing, she’s probably knitting, reading or catching up on Formula 1.

How I Sleep: I’m a dedicated side sleeper.
Pro Tip:  If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night and you’re unable to fall asleep, don’t reach for your phone. Instead grab a book, journal a bit or do a short meditation practice. This way you can ease yourself back into sleep without using any disruptive blue light.

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.

Carlie Gasia
PR Associate and Certified Sleep Science Coach

Hi! I’m Carlie, Sleepopolis’s digital PR associate and a Certified Sleep Science Coach.

How I Sleep: I am a deep rooted side sleeper, consistently falling asleep and waking up on either my left or right side. I prefer bedding and pillows that are fluffy and soft, yet supportive. I love to fall asleep with pink noise on a sleep timer and with an overhead fan on high.
Pro Tip: Sleep, light and melatonin are linked together. Melatonin is a sleep hormone that the brain releases at bedtime. As a fan of having colored LED lightbulbs in my apartment (mainly for aesthetic purposes), I’ve found that dim red light at bedtime helps me relax and prepare for sound sleep the best, as well as improves my sleep inertia in the morning.

Anna Freeman
Content Marketing Associate and Certified Sleep Science Coach

I’m Anna, a Content Marketing Associate and a Certified Sleep Science Coach at Sleepopolis. I collaborate with the editorial and content marketing teams to research and create health content.

How I sleep: I am a loyal combo sleeper, switching between my stomach and my side.
Pro Tip: For all my fellow stomach sleepers out there, I 100 percent recommend putting a pillow under your pelvis to help keep your back in a more neutral position and sleeping with either a thin pillow or no pillow under your head!