As humans, we spend about a third of our lives sleeping. Despite this, we still know relatively little about this essential and complex biological function. Thankfully, there are sleep scientists, neuroscientists, and psychologists out there working tirelessly to help us understand the mysteries of sleep better. In this post, we will introduce you to ten of the best sleep experts in the US.

1. Matthew Walker - University of California, Berkeley Matthew Walker is a sleep neuroscientist and author of the New York Times bestseller "Why We Sleep." He is also the founder and director of the Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Walker's research focuses on the effects of sleep on human health and disease, and he has been featured in numerous media outlets for his groundbreaking work.

2. Michael J. Breus - The Sleep Doctor
   Michael J. Breus, also known as "The Sleep Doctor," is a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist who has been working with patients for over 20 years. He is the author of several books on sleep, including "The Power of When" and "The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan." Breus is also a regular guest on national media programs such as The Dr. Oz Show and The Today Show.

3. Allan Rechtschaffen - University of Chicago
   Allan Rechtschaffen was a sleep researcher and professor at the University of Chicago for over 50 years. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in sleep research, particularly for his work on the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function. Rechtschaffen passed away in 2020, but his legacy in the field of sleep research lives on.

4. Eve Van Cauter - University of Chicago
   Eve Van Cauter is a sleep researcher and professor at the University of Chicago. Her research focuses on the relationship between sleep and metabolic health, particularly in the context of obesity and diabetes. Van Cauter has published numerous groundbreaking studies on the subject and is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in this area.

5. David Dinges - University of Pennsylvania
   David Dinges is a sleep researcher and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function and performance, particularly in the context of transportation and safety. Dinges has published numerous influential studies on the subject and is a frequent contributor to national media programs.

6. Mark Rosekind - Alertness Solutions
   Mark Rosekind is a former NASA scientist and sleep researcher who now works as a consultant through his company, Alertness Solutions. Rosekind's research focuses on the effects of fatigue and sleep deprivation on safety, particularly in the transportation industry. He has advised companies such as Uber and has been a keynote speaker at numerous industry events.

7. Mary Carskadon - Brown University
   Mary Carskadon is a sleep researcher and professor at Brown University. Her research focuses on the relationship between sleep and adolescent development, particularly with regards to the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and emotional function. Carskadon has published numerous influential studies on the subject and is widely regarded as a leading expert in the field.

8. Charles Czeisler - Harvard Medical School
   Charles Czeisler is a sleep researcher and professor at Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on the effects of sleep deprivation on human health and safety, particularly in the context of shift work and transportation. Czeisler has advised numerous government agencies and private organizations on sleep-related issues and has been a frequent contributor to national media programs.

9. Sonia Ancoli-Israel - University of California, San Diego
   Sonia Ancoli-Israel was a sleep researcher and professor at the University of California, San Diego until her passing in 2020. She was a leading expert on sleep and aging, particularly with regards to the effects of sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea on older adults. Ancoli-Israel published numerous influential studies on the subject and was widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of sleep research.

10. Michael Perlis - University of Pennsylvania
    Michael Perlis is a sleep psychologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on the assessment and treatment of insomnia, particularly using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Perlis has published numerous studies on the subject and is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in the field of sleep psychology.