Paul Muchowski, Ph.D.
Founder & CEO/CSO, Defined Sleep
Paul Muchowski, Ph.D. is the Founder and CEO/CSO of Defined Sleep. A former professor at UCSF and the University of Washington, he brings decades of neuroscience drug-discovery expertise to clinically validated sleep science.
He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed studies and led the research behind Defined Sleep's landmark clinical trial in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
Credentials & expertise
-
Education
Ph.D., Biological Structure — University of Washington
-
Post-doctoral training
Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry
-
Academic affiliations
Former Professor, University of Washington and University of California, San Francisco
-
Industry experience
Neuroscience drug discovery — Soteria Therapeutics and Teva Pharmaceuticals
-
Research focus
Neurodegeneration, sleep science, and clinically validated cannabinoid therapeutics
-
Publications
Published 60+ highly cited peer-reviewed research studies; holds numerous patents
-
Leadership
Chair Emeritus, Scientific Advisory Committee — National Cannabis Industry Association
Published research
Explore his broader publication record on PubMed
As featured in
-
GQ
Defined Sleep featured in an expert guide to evening routines for better sleep.
-
GQ
Quoted on melatonin and sleep science: "Melatonin — not a sleep aid."
-
CBS Atlanta — Focus Atlanta
Paul Muchowski discusses sleep science and Defined Sleep on Focus Atlanta.
-
Brain Health Podcast
Episode 38 — Dr. Nick Nissen interviews Paul Muchowski on the value of deep sleep.
Recent articles by Paul
-
Reading Before Bed vs. Scrolling: What GQ Asked Us About Evening Routines
Defined Sleep Blog · Jun 29, 2026 -
How Long Does CBD Take to Work for Sleep? Research Findings
Defined Sleep Blog · Jun 19, 2026 -
Broad-Spectrum vs Full-Spectrum CBD: Mechanistic Differences
Defined Sleep Blog · Jun 19, 2026 -
CBD vs Melatonin: Contrasting Modes of Action
Defined Sleep Blog · Jun 19, 2026 -
Why Women Sleep Differently: A Lifespan Conversation with Dr. Elise Grenier
Defined Sleep Blog · May 13, 2026 -
CBD and Sleep Pathways: The Endocannabinoid Mechanism Explained
Defined Sleep Blog · Apr 30, 2026