KU Sleep Disorders Research

03/13/2026

🌙 Happy World Sleep Day! 😴
Today is a reminder that sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Good sleep fuels our mood, focus, creativity, and overall well‑being.

If you’ve been running on empty, consider this your gentle nudge to rest as the Spring Equinox approaches.

✨ Here’s to better sleep and waking up ready to take on the world. How are you prioritizing your sleep hygiene today?

03/06/2026

If you are not receiving treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and would like to help us learn more about your sleep, you may be eligible to participate in our ENNVISA Study. Learn more about this observational research study! Contact us at sleep-research@kumc.edu or fill out this interest form linked here. https://redcap.kumc.edu/surveys/?s=HRJ7DTE7Y8N3FLCX

03/05/2026

03/04/2026

In honor of Sleep Apnea Awareness Month, we want to share 3 things to know about sleep apnea.🪐

1. Anyone can have sleep apnea, regardless of age or health.
2. This condition is often underdiagnosed and undertreated.
3. Proper treatment improves overall health, from mood and energy to long-term risk factors.

Our research team is not snoozing on sleep apnea! We're conducting ongoing studies to better understand this condition and are currently seeking eligible participants. Reach out if you'd like to learn more about your sleep! ⏰

03/02/2026

02/26/2026

Introducing Dr. Sowjanya Duthuluru!

Dr. Sowjanya Duthuluru is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Duthuluru received her MD at Sri Venkateswara Medical College in Tirupati, India. Dr. Duthuluru completed her Internal Medicine residency at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. After completing her residency, she worked at Stormont Vail Health Care for 4 years as a hospitalist. Dr. Duthuluru completed her Pulmonary and Critical Care fellowship, and her Sleep Medicine fellowship, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center before joining the Pulmonary Division as an Assistant Professor.

Dr. Duthuluru’s clinical interests include, but aren’t limited to, Asthma, Narcolepsy, Sleep apnea, and COPD. She is active in the Intensive Care Unit and helps supervise fellows and residents learning to do procedures, read sleep studies, and consult with patients. We love having her support on our team!

02/20/2026

💫We are excited to introduce one of our current studies!

The ENNVISA Study is enrolling adults who have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and have not started treatment. You may be able to contribute to advancing understanding of night-to-night variability of the sleep disorder and learn about your own sleep in the process. Contact sleep-research@kumc.edu to learn how you could participate or fill out this interest form linked here! https://redcap.kumc.edu/surveys/?s=HRJ7DTE7Y8N3FLCX

02/17/2026

🌟 Meet Our Sub‑Investigators 🌟

We’re excited to introduce the incredible sub‑investigators who help make our studies possible. These are the clinicians and researchers who lend their expertise, support our protocols, and ensure our participants receive thoughtful, high‑quality care throughout each project.

We’re grateful for the dedication they bring to advancing sleep medicine here at KUMC.

Stay tuned as we highlight each of them and the unique contributions they bring to our team!

02/13/2026

02/13/2026

Meet Dr. Damien Stevens!

Dr. Damien Stevens is an Associate Professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine within the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). He also serves as the Sleep Lab Medical Director and Program Director for the Sleep Medicine Fellowship Program.

Dr. Stevens earned both his medical degree and completed his residency at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, followed by a fellowship at Rush‑Presbyterian–St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago. With three decades of research experience and a Master of Science in Clinical Research, he brings deep expertise and leadership to our sleep research efforts.

His current interests focus on predictors of CPAP compliance and the effectiveness of weight‑loss interventions that directly impact patient outcomes and long‑term sleep health. Dr. Stevens also serves as Principal Investigator on several clinical trials for sleep disorders including Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Narcolepsy, helping shape the future of sleep health.

02/11/2026