The Sleep Education and Research Foundation, a non-profit, public-benefit corporation, was established in 1996 by Nelson B. Powell, M.D., D.D.S. and Robert W. Riley, M.D., D.D.S. Both doctors are Adjunct Clinical Professors at Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Riley is also Director of Sleep Surgery at the Stanford University Sleep Disorders Clinic.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Foundation is to provide education and training, and to support medical and surgical research in the field of sleep disorders. In addition to on-going research projects, the Foundation sponsors an educational course, “Contemporary Surgical Concepts and Techniques for Sleep-Disordered Breathing,” which is designed for medical and surgical specialists.

The Foundation has been actively involved in training medical professionals from around the world by giving physicians the chance to observe the latest surgical techniques in the treatment of sleep disorders. Drs. Powell & Riley have trained visiting physicians and researchers from Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Norway, Russia, Finland, Sweden), Asia (Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, Korea), South America (Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia), the Near East (Israel, Turkey), and from New Zealand. The Foundation does not charge a fee for this advanced training, as it is part of its educational mission.

In addition, the Foundation has supported research for the development of new surgical techniques, such as the use of radiofrequency to treat the upper airway in subjects with sleep disorders. It also provides current information about sleep disorders and types of treatment available to members of the public who may be affected with a sleep disorder.

In the future, the Foundation will be supported by a combination of businesses, corporations, foundations and by private individuals; thus far, it has been supported by grateful patients. We are grateful for any support to assist us in continuing our efforts to carry out research, educate, and to provide specialized training in the management of sleep disorders.

On request, we will send documentation of our Internal Revenue Code Section 501 status.