Meet the Sleep Experts Behind SleepGearLab
Our team of board-certified sleep specialists, medical professionals, and industry experts dedicate thousands of hours to testing sleep products so you can make informed decisions for better rest.
Our Story
SleepGearLab was founded in 2020 by Dr. Emily Thornwood after years of watching patients struggle to find reliable information about sleep products. As a clinical psychologist specializing in sleep disorders, she saw firsthand how the right sleep environment could transform lives but how difficult it was to navigate the overwhelming market of sleep products.
What started as a small blog reviewing weighted blankets has grown into a comprehensive sleep product testing laboratory with a team of 10 expert reviewers. Our team includes board-certified sleep medicine physicians, audiologists, respiratory therapists, interior designers, and textile specialists all united by one mission: helping you sleep better.
Every product we review goes through our rigorous testing protocol. We purchase all products ourselves to ensure unbiased reviews. We test each product for a minimum of 4 weeks in real-world conditions. And we consult with our panel of medical advisors to ensure our recommendations are backed by sleep science.
Our Expert Team
Each member of our team brings specialized expertise to ensure every review is thorough, accurate, and helpful.
Dr. Emily Thornwood
Founder & Chief Sleep Scientist
Dr. Emily Thornwood founded SleepGearLab after 8 years as a clinical psychologist specializing in sleep disorders. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Stanford University and is board-certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine.
Dr. Cordelia Ashworth
Sleep Medicine Director
Dr. Cordelia Ashworth is a board-certified sleep medicine physician with over 15 years of experience at Stanford Sleep Medicine Center. She has published extensive research on circadian rhythms and light exposure.
Dr. Sarah Blackwood
Sleep Temperature Specialist
Dr. Sarah Blackwood brings 12 years of experience in sleep medicine with a focus on thermal regulation. She completed her fellowship at Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center and specializes in helping hot sleepers find relief.
Dr. James Delacroix
Audio & Sleep Technology Expert
Dr. James Delacroix is an audiologist with 12 years of experience in acoustic therapy. He holds a doctorate in Audiology from Vanderbilt University and has pioneered research on sound-based sleep interventions.
David Whitmore
Smart Home & Tech Editor
David Whitmore is a certified sleep science coach and tech reviewer with 8 years of experience testing bedroom electronics. He previously worked at CNET and The Verge reviewing smart home products.
Victoria Hartley
Interior Design & Environment Specialist
Victoria Hartley is an award-winning interior designer with 12 years of experience specializing in bedroom environments. She holds certifications from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Dr. Genevieve Fairbanks
Aromatherapy & Wellness Director
Dr. Genevieve Fairbanks is a certified aromatherapist with a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. She has 14 years of experience in essential oil therapy and holistic sleep practices.
Rosalind Pemberton
Textile & Bedding Specialist
Rosalind Pemberton is a textile engineer and certified sleep consultant with 12 years in bedding product development. She previously led materials research at a major luxury bedding manufacturer.
Dr. Harrison Whitfield
Air Quality & Respiratory Specialist
Dr. Harrison Whitfield is a board-certified respiratory therapist with 18 years of experience. He serves as director of respiratory care at Massachusetts General Hospital and researches air quality and sleep health.
Beatrice Kensington
Comfort & Ergonomics Expert
Beatrice Kensington is a footwear biomechanics specialist with 10 years of experience evaluating comfort products. She holds certifications in pedorthics and previously worked as innovation lead for New Balance.
Our Testing Process
Independent Purchase
We buy all products ourselves at retail prices. We never accept free samples or sponsored products to ensure completely unbiased reviews.
Extended Testing Period
Every product is tested for a minimum of 4 weeks in real-world conditions. Sleep products need time to break in and reveal their true performance.
Scientific Measurements
We use thermal imaging cameras, precision scales, sound level meters, and other professional equipment to objectively measure product performance.
Expert Review
Our team of specialists reviews findings and ensures recommendations align with current sleep science research and medical best practices.
Ready to Sleep Better?
Browse our expert-tested reviews and find the perfect sleep products for your needs.
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