H. Craig Heller, PhD

Lorry I. Lokey/Business Wire Professor of Biological Sciences and Human Biology, Stanford University

Awarded in celebration of the life and work of H. Craig Heller, a pioneer in investigating the mechanisms regulating sleep and circadian rhythms. During a distinguished career spanning six decades, he has enlightened us with fundamental contributions including:

  • Trailblazing research on hibernation and how it differs from and interfaces with sleep
  • Discovering the interactions between ambient temperature, thermoregulation and sleep
  • Elucidating the relationships between body temperature, metabolism, and sleep
  • Revealing the interconnection between sleep homeostasis and circadian rhythms of sleep
  • Exploring restoration of brain energy reserves as a function of sleep
  • Tracing the emergence of REM and non-REM sleep during development
  • Training and inspiring multiple generations of sleep and circadian research scientists