KCU alumna highlights the critical connection between sleep and health

Over half of Americans suffer from sleep disorders, which can have far-reaching consequences on their physical and mental well-being. Talene Churukian, DO, MPH, a 2004 College of Osteopathic Medicine graduate from Kansas City University (KCU), is on a mission to raise awareness about the importance of sleep and the profound impact on overall health.

“Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a necessity,” Churukian said. “When people don’t get enough rest, it can contribute to a wide range of health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, depression and diabetes.”

From KCU to sleep medicine

Churukian's path to sleep medicine was a natural evolution from her upbringing in a medical family. Her mother, an inpatient pharmacist, exposed her to health care from an early age. "My mother’s influence set me on the path of medicine," Churukian said.

Initially planning to practice internal medicine, Churukian’s career took a pivotal turn during one of her residency rotations at the UCLA-VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, where she discovered her passion for sleep medicine. "When I walked into the sleep clinic, I knew this was my path. The connection between sleep and overall health fascinated me," she said.

With her medical training rooted in the holistic principles of osteopathic medicine at KCU, Churukian learned to treat the whole person. This comprehensive approach laid the foundation for her work in sleep medicine, where she addresses the physical, emotional and psychosocial aspects of sleep disorders.

The dangers of sleep deprivation

Churukian now serves as the medical director at the Eisenhower Sleep Center, where she treats a wide array of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. "Sleep apnea is one of the most common conditions I see," she said. “If left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and even dementia.”

While treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can be lifesaving, many patients resist using the device, creating a significant challenge in sleep medicine. "It’s not uncommon for patients to say, 'I’m not using CPAP. No matter what, you can’t convince me," Churukian said.

Her solution? Patient education and empowerment. "The best outcomes happen when patients take an active role in their care. It’s about building trust and helping them understand the long-term benefits of their treatment plan," Churukian explains. "When patients see the bigger picture and the impact that a restful night’s sleep can have on their physical and mental health, they’re more likely to commit to treatment."

But sleep apnea is just one part of a much larger picture. The dangers of sleep deprivation go beyond personal health risks. "An alarming statistic: 250,000 drivers fall asleep at the wheel every day," Churukian says. "That results in a crash every 25 seconds and a fatality every 70 minutes. Sleep deprivation isn’t just a health issue—it’s a public safety crisis."

The power of restorative sleep

While treatments are essential, Churukian is also passionate about raising awareness around lifestyle changes that can significantly improve sleep quality. "Sleep impacts every part of our lives—from mood and cognitive function to physical health and our immune system," she says. "Poor sleep can worsen existing conditions like anxiety and depression, and it can hinder our ability to manage stress or recover from illness."

She encourages simple changes to boost sleep quality. " Start by setting a consistent wake-up time and exercise most days. Avoid caffeine at least six hours before bed and bright electronics at close range within two hours of sleep,” she said. “For some, skipping heavy meals in the evening helps. Create a calming bedtime routine to signal to your body it’s time to wind down and make your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. These simple changes can greatly improve your sleep.”

Empowering health through sleep

As sleep medicine evolves, Churukian envisions more personalized care thanks to technological advancements. "Wearables now give everyone access to their health data, empowering patients to take charge of their health, understand their sleep and even identify sleep disorders that prompt them to seek help," she says. She values this information from her patients to guide her care.

Churukian also stays up to date on innovative treatments like the hypoglossal nerve stimulator—a device like a pacemaker, but for breathing—offering an alternative for patients who can't tolerate traditional treatments like CPAP. This is just one example of how sleep medicine is evolving to better serve patients.

With a strong foundation from her KCU education, Churukian is leading the way toward a future where mental and physical health are treated as one.