About Laing Rikkers

Laing Rikkers has been a leader in the field of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, an often hidden - and potentially fatal - medical condition. Though OSA is estimated to affect 75 million Americans, most people don't even know they have it. Tragically, that was the case with her sister who died of undiagnosed OSA. In her grief, Rikkers sought solace from nature and creativity, and her new book Morning Leaves provides a path for self-exploration, connection, and healing from loss. Her work encourages people to pay attention to the symptoms of OSA so they can better care for themselves and their loved ones.

Rikkers lives in Southern California with her husband, two children and dogs.  In addition to spending time with them, she loves to write, walk, read, listen to podcasts, travel and engage with a wide assortment of people. She appreciates art – painting, sculpture, fashion, jewelry, and architecture – as well as flowers, trees, cloud formations, and beaches.

After reading Julia Camerons The Artist’s Way in the summer of 2020, Rikkers started writing a journal every morning, but it was months before it became clear that it would lead to a book. The creative process turned out to be a critical step in processing the sudden loss of her younger sister, Ginna. 

Ginna’s unexpected death, combined with the vulnerability Rikkers felt during the pandemic, brought into focus the need to ensure that her children truly knew her. What started as an exercise in typing up poems and journal entries, became the backbone of Morning Leaves. From there, the book took on a life of its own. Rikkers has found that one of the greatest gifts of the process has been connecting more closely with like-minded people and feeling their support as she engages more artistically. 

Rikkers graduated from Harvard College, received an MA in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, and then worked in human resources and private equity for twenty-plus years. 

In 2016, Rikkers co-founded ProSomnus and was the company’s Chairwoman.  ProSomnus develops and manufactures medical devices for people suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a condition that affects one billion people worldwide. 

Tragically, untreated OSA likely contributed to the heart condition that took her sister’s life. So, if you or someone you love has daytime sleepiness or snore, do not ignore it – speak to a doctor.  There are effective treatments that can greatly improve quality and length of life. Please see Resources for additional information.

Morning Leaves is Rikkers's first book, and she is currently working on her second.

Photography by Laura L. Rikkers

Art by Kelly Leahy Radding