Brian B. Koo

Brian B. Koo, MD, is an Associate Professor at Yale University's Department of Neurology, with joint appointments in Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine. He serves as Director of the Sleep Medicine Laboratory at Connecticut Veterans Affairs Healthcare System and Director of the Yale Center for Restless Legs Syndrome. Dr. Koo specializes in the intersection of neurology and sleep medicine, treating patients with complex sleep disorders at both Yale and VA facilities.

Education:

• BA in Biological Basis of Behavior, University of Pennsylvania (1995)
• MD, Tufts University School of Medicine (2001)
• Residency: Long Island Jewish Hospital (2005)
• Fellowships: Cleveland Clinic (2006), Case Western Reserve University (2008)

Research Focus: Dr. Koo's work centers on neurobiological mechanisms of sleep disorders, particularly restless legs syndrome (RLS) and REM sleep behavior disorder. His laboratory investigates pro-opiomelanocortin-derived neuropeptides in RLS, autoimmunity in REM sleep disorders, and connections between obstructive sleep apnea and stroke. Additional studies explore cluster headache impacts and neurological aspects of sleep-related movement disorders.

Publication Trends: Recent articles (2020-2025) demonstrate strong focus on RLS pathophysiology and treatment innovations, with recurring themes in neuropeptide systems, cardiovascular comorbidities, and pandemic-related healthcare disruptions. Methodologies range from proteomic analyses and clinical trials to epidemiological modeling and patient-centered outcomes research.

Awards:

• Sleep Research Network Junior Investigator Travel Award (2012)
• American Academy of Sleep Medicine Sleep-Related Movement Disorders Section Investigator Award (2012)
• American Academy of Sleep Medicine Young Investigator Forum (2012)

Clinical Leadership: Dr. Koo leads two major clinical programs: the RLS Foundation-sponsored Quality Care Center and the VA Sleep Laboratory. He coordinates multidisciplinary teams for sleep disorder management and mentors early-career physician-scientists. Current clinical trials include investigations into intestinal immunity in neurologic disease and schizophrenia biomarkers.