Hi. I’m Dr. Yvette Hickman, science communicator, educator, and founder of The New Science of Sleep.

My mission is to translate sleep science into clear insights and practical tools you can start using today.

But this work is also personal.

I have experienced sleep disruptions related to anxiety and difficulty regulating my body temperature at night. I know what it’s like to be unable to enter into and remain in deep sleep.

That experience led me to do more research.

In 2025, I came across a scientific essay exploring what researchers are calling the new science of sleep. It reframes sleep not as passive rest, but as an active, essential process that affects us at every level, from DNA repair and brain function to emotional regulation and social cohesion.

It changed the way I view and understand sleep. It’s basically the foundation for everything else.

And it made one thing clear: if sleep is this important, then losing it is not something to ignore but to understand and address.

This site was created to do exactly that.

My Background and Approach

My background is in biology and molecular science. I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and went on to complete my Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology at Thomas Jefferson University.

Over my career, I’ve worked as a lab researcher, STEM educator, and writer.

At The New Science of Sleep, my goal is to bridge the gap between scientific research and everyday life. I read the scientific literature, evaluate the evidence, and translate complex findings into practical, understandable strategies that can help you make informed decisions about your sleep and health.

My commitment is to present the science accurately, explain it clearly, and acknowledge where the evidence is still evolving.

A Final Thought

If you’re struggling with sleep, you’re not alone. Knowledge is the first step. From there, change becomes possible.

Yvette Hickman, Ph.D.
Founder & Editor
The New Science of Sleep