About
Dr. Gayln Perry is a board-certified sleep and pulmonary medicine physician with more than 30 years of experience. She earned her BA in Chemistry from Baylor University in 1984 and her MD from Texas A&M School of Medicine in 1988. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Missouri Kansas City. Her fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine followed at the University of Kansas Medical Center from 1996 to 1999.
Dr. Perry holds board certifications in Sleep Medicine through both the ABIM and NBPAS, Adult Pulmonary Medicine through NBPAS, and serves as a Diplomate of the American Association of Sleep Medicine Board. She spent 12 years at Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City, where she served as Medical Director of the Sleep Diagnostic Unit and built what she describes as the largest pediatric sleep center in the four-state region. Earlier in her career, she directed the Sleep Diagnostic Unit at the University of Kansas Medical Center and served as Associate Director of the Pediatric and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Care Center there. Dr. Perry has dedicated the last 16 years of her career exclusively to sleep medicine. She is passionate about treating sleep disorders as chronic conditions requiring a whole-person approach. She prefers behavioral solutions over medication when possible and personally scores every home sleep study she orders. Patients who know her describe her as a genuine listener who treats each person as a partner in care.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Baylor University, BA Chemistry, 1984
Medical School
Texas A&M School of Medicine, 1988
Residency
Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, University of Missouri Kansas City, 1988-1992
Fellowship
Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Kansas Medical Center, 1996-1999
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Perry right for?
Dr. Perry is a strong fit for children, adolescents, and adults dealing with unresolved sleep problems. Patients struggling with insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, or circadian rhythm disorders benefit from her deep diagnostic experience. Parents seeking expert evaluation for a child's sleep difficulties will find her dual training in pediatrics and internal medicine particularly valuable. She also serves adults managing pulmonary conditions such as COPD, asthma, or Long COVID. Patients who want a thorough, relationship-centered approach and a physician who personally reviews their test results will find her practice a strong match.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Perry treats the full spectrum of sleep disorders across all ages. Her conditions include insomnia, obstructive and central sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, cataplexy, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnias, childhood behavioral insomnia, idiopathic hypersomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, and nightmare disorder, among others. She also treats pulmonary conditions such as COPD, asthma, chronic cough, and Long COVID.
Yes. Dr. Perry completed her residency in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. She has spent her career treating patients across all life stages, from young children to older adults. She also supports patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care, providing continuity across that important stage.
Dr. Perry holds board certification in Sleep Medicine through both the ABIM and NBPAS, and in Adult Pulmonary Medicine through NBPAS. She also holds a Diplomate credential from the American Association of Sleep Medicine Board. Her training spans internal medicine, pediatrics, and critical care medicine.
Dr. Perry has focused exclusively on sleep medicine for the past 16 years. Before founding the Perry Center, she served as Medical Director of the Sleep Diagnostic Unit at Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City for 13 years. She has practiced medicine overall for more than 30 years.
Yes. Dr. Perry personally scores every home sleep study she orders. She does not delegate this task. That hands-on approach allows her to interpret results in full clinical context and discuss findings directly with each patient.
Dr. Perry prefers behavioral solutions over prescription medication when clinically appropriate. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, known as CBT-I, as a structured, evidence-based option for chronic sleep difficulties. She views sleep disorders as chronic conditions that benefit from comprehensive, individualized management.
Yes. Dr. Perry manages CPAP, BiPAP, and advanced modes of non-invasive ventilation. She does not sell CPAP equipment, which she considers an important step in avoiding any conflict of interest. Her focus is on helping patients use their therapy effectively and stay adherent over time.
Yes. Dr. Perry provides letters and documentation to support school accommodation requests, including 504 plans and college entrance exam accommodations. This service is particularly relevant for children and adolescents managing sleep disorders that affect their academic performance.
Yes. Dr. Perry has been featured in an Epoch Health article on melatonin use in children and interviewed in IN Kansas City Magazine on the topic of better sleep. She also appeared on the CCC Podcast to discuss sleep, rest, and renewal.
Yes. Dr. Perry treats acute COVID-19, Long COVID, and COVID vaccine-related illness. She offers tiered COVID care services based on risk factors and current symptoms. Long COVID care addresses the chronic fatigue, breathing, and systemic effects that persist after infection.
Doctor profile last updated August 17, 2026