Story & Lesson Highlights with Nyree Penn of Miami/ South Florida

Nyree Penn shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Nyree, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
There’s a big misconception about PROSOMNIA Sleep Therapy because people still associate propofol with the fear that followed Michael Jackson’s death. What we do is entirely different. PSTx isn’t “anesthesia to sleep”, it’s a one hour clinical therapy guided by true sleep science. Our founder, Nyree Penn, is both a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and a sleep expert, and she’s uniquely trained in the intersection of these fields. She’s dedicated her research to using propofol safely and purposefully to help patients access restorative rest. The therapy is rooted in expertise, not sedation for sedation’s sake, and that distinction is what many people misunderstand

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Nyree Penn is a leading innovator in sleep health and the inventor of PROSOMNIA
Sleep TherapyTM, the first clinical sleep treatment utilizing anesthesia to induce REM
sleep. With over a decade of experience in clinical sleep solutions, Nyree is
revolutionizing how the world views and manages sleep health.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my father. My mother was a dedicated nurse who worked long hours caring for others, and because of that, my dad was the one who stayed home and raised me day-to-day. He had served in the military, and that experience gave him a calm strength and a steady sense of purpose that deeply influenced me. From him, I learned discipline, resilience, and the confidence to pursue work that truly matters. His presence and guidance shaped my values and the way I care for people today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were definitely moments when I felt close to giving up, especially in the early stages of building PROSOMNIA Sleep. When you’re creating something that doesn’t fit neatly into an existing category, something people misunderstand or even fear, it can feel isolating. There were days when the obstacles felt heavier than the vision. But every time I questioned whether I could keep going, I came back to the people who were suffering from chronic, debilitating sleep issues with no real solutions. Knowing that there had to be a better way kept me moving. What pulled me through wasn’t perfection, it was purpose.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think the public version of me is real, but it’s not the whole picture. Professionally, people see my drive, my focus, and my commitment to this work and all of that is genuine. But privately, I’m also a mother of two, someone who loves hard, laughs easily, and knows how to have a good time. My friends would tell you I’m fun to be around and always ready for a party, but also deeply loyal and generous with my love. The private and public versions of me aren’t different people, they’re just different expressions of the same heart.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only ten years left, I would stop saying YES to anything that pulls me away from the people I love. I’d stop overextending myself, stop carrying burdens that aren’t mine, and stop pouring energy into things that don’t truly matter. I’d trade the pressure to be everything for everyone for more presence, more wonder, and more joy. I think I’d simplify my life down to the things that fill me up: my kids, my friends, my purpose, and the experiences that make life feel vivid and unforgettable.

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