About ZenDawn

Who I Am

I'm Kaushik Rajan—a founder, engineer, and computer scientist building niche consumer applications through systematic research and applied science.

I hold a Master's in Computer Science from NC State University and spent nearly a decade in applied science and engineering, including four years at Amazon developing production-level time-series forecasting models that predicted billions of dollars in advertising revenue.

I use the same quantitative methods and analytical approach that powered revenue forecasting at Amazon to build focused consumer applications—one at a time with deep research into each vertical. iOS apps for utility needs, web directories for decision-making efficiency, and science-based wellness tools.

I'm a performance optimization enthusiast—someone actively exploring and implementing protocols for sleep, focus, and wellbeing. ZenDawn is the resource I wished existed when I started my own journey.

Who I Am NOT

Transparency matters. Here's what I'm not:

• Not a doctor or clinician. I'm an engineer synthesizing research, not providing medical advice.
• Not a sleep scientist. I aggregate and cite peer-reviewed research; I don't conduct original clinical studies.
• Not a product reviewer who's tested everything. For comparison content, I research publicly available information—pricing, features, user reviews—rather than personally testing every device.
• Not making health claims. I compare tools on objective criteria (features, price, integrations), not therapeutic efficacy.

My role is researcher and curator—organizing scattered information into useful formats so you can make informed decisions.

Why I Built ZenDawn

I've been a long-time listener of the Huberman Lab podcast and have been implementing Dr. Andrew Huberman's science-based protocols for optimizing sleep, focus, and performance for years.

The insights work—but translating research into daily practice requires constant effort. I wanted simple tools that distill complex neuroscience and wellness research into actionable, personalized recommendations.

ZenDawn is my way of sharing what I've learned. Each tool I build synthesizes peer-reviewed research from Huberman Lab, Stanford, NIH, and other leading institutions into calculators anyone can use.

Primary inspiration: The Sleep Calculator is directly inspired by Huberman Lab's "Master Your Sleep & Be More Alert When Awake" episode—a comprehensive guide to sleep optimization grounded in neurobiology and circadian science.

The Approach

Evidence-Based

Every recommendation is grounded in peer-reviewed research. I cite sources, explain mechanisms, and update tools as new evidence emerges. If something is uncertain or speculative, I say so.

Simple, Not Simplistic

Wellness science is complex, but tools should be simple. I distill research into calculators that take 60 seconds to use yet deliver personalized, actionable results.

Privacy-First

Your data stays in your browser. I don't store personal information or sell data. The business model is straightforward: free core tools, optional Premium features for those who want more depth.

Solo Effort, Focused Execution

I build ZenDawn alone using the same bootstrapped foundry approach I apply to my other applications. One tool at a time, with deep research into each domain. No venture funding, no compromises on quality or ethics.

How I Build: AI-Assisted, Human-Directed

I believe in transparency about my development process. ZenDawn is built using a team of AI agents with human-in-the-loop feedback.

What This Means

• Research acceleration: AI agents help aggregate information from official sources, user reviews, and documentation—I verify and curate what's included.
• Content generation: AI assists with drafting comparison tables, feature lists, and structured content—I review, edit, and approve everything published.
• Code development: AI helps write and debug code—I architect the system, make design decisions, and own the final implementation.

What Stays Human

• Editorial judgment: I decide what tools to include, how to position them, and what methodology to use.
• Quality control: Every page is reviewed before publishing. Pricing is verified against official sources. Claims are checked.
• Strategic direction: The vision, priorities, and principles behind ZenDawn are mine.

I own all the work and output. AI is a tool in my workflow—like a very capable research assistant—not a replacement for judgment, expertise, or accountability. The decisions, the mistakes, and the successes are mine.

This approach lets me build faster and cover more ground while maintaining the quality and accuracy standards I hold myself to. I believe this transparency builds trust rather than undermining it.

What I'm Building

ZenDawn started with a sleep calculator, but the vision is broader: a suite of evidence-based tools for optimizing human performance and wellbeing.

Current (v1.0)

• Sleep Calculator with chronotype assessment
• 90-minute cycle optimization
• Daily circadian recommendations

Planned

• Chronotype Quiz: Standalone detailed assessment based on validated MEQ research
• Light Exposure Calculator: Optimal timing for natural light based on circadian phase
• Caffeine Timing Optimizer: Personalized recommendations based on chronotype and sleep goals
• Focus Block Planner: Schedule deep work sessions aligned with your natural energy peaks

Each tool follows the same pattern: synthesize research from Huberman Lab and peer-reviewed studies, distill into simple inputs, deliver personalized recommendations with clear explanations.

The Science Behind the Tools

Sleep Calculator

Built on three core principles from sleep research:

• 90-minute cycles: Sleep architecture alternates between light, deep, and REM sleep in ~90-minute cycles. Waking at cycle completion minimizes grogginess (NIH Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep, Carskadon & Dement, 2005).
• Chronotype: Your genetic tendency toward morningness or eveningness, validated via the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (Horne & Östberg, 1976). Recent genome-wide studies (Jones et al., 2019) confirm genetic influence on sleep timing. Recommendations adjust ±30-90 minutes to match your biology.
• Circadian rhythm: Light exposure timing based on Phase Response Curve research—morning light advances your clock, evening light delays it (Khalsa et al., 2003; Wright et al., 2013).

These aren't my inventions—they're established findings from chronobiology and sleep science. I'm building the tools to apply them.

Key Research Sources

Primary Source: Huberman Lab - Master Your Sleep & Be More Alert When Awake (90-minute comprehensive episode)

Supporting peer-reviewed research:

• Sleep Architecture & Cycles: NIH Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep • Carskadon & Dement (2005)
• Circadian Rhythm: Khalsa et al. (2003) - Phase Response Curve • Wright et al. (2013)
• Chronotype & Genetics: Horne & Östberg (1976) - MEQ • Jones et al. (2019)
• Caffeine & Sleep: Drake et al. (2013) • Clark & Landolt (2017)
• Light & Melatonin: Chang et al. (2015) • Wood et al. (2013)
• Sleep Guidelines: National Sleep Foundation

Every claim is hyperlinked to peer-reviewed research. Every methodology is transparent. You can verify the science behind any recommendation.

Disclaimers & Limitations

I'm not a doctor or clinician. I'm an engineer and computer scientist synthesizing research into practical tools. These calculators provide general guidance based on population-level science—they are not medical advice.

Individual variation exists. A 90-minute average sleep cycle may be 80 or 110 minutes for you. Chronotype quizzes are less precise than clinical assessments. Environmental factors (stress, medications, health conditions) affect results.

For medical concerns, consult a healthcare provider. If you suspect a sleep disorder (chronic insomnia, sleep apnea), see a doctor. These tools are for generally healthy adults optimizing already-functional systems, not diagnosing or treating conditions.

Contact

I love hearing from users—whether you have feedback, questions, or just want to share your results.

Email: hello@kaushikrajan.me

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More about my work: kaushikrajan.me