Quincy Unger ’28 (pictured far left), a first-year student at JCU, is redefining the way people sleep with his startup, Sleep Hypnos—an acupressure-based technology designed to naturally promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and aid recovery.
Unger, a Political Science major with minors in Leadership Development and Entrepreneurship, is deeply involved in campus leadership. As a Class Senator in Student Government, a Peer Success Advisor in the Financial Aid Office, and a goaltender for JCU’s ACHA D1 hockey team, he is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. But it was his personal struggle with sleep that sparked his entrepreneurial journey.
“During my first month of college, I wasn’t sleeping well,” Unger shared. “My mind was constantly racing before bed, and I found it difficult to control my thoughts and fully relax my body. Some nights, I relied on melatonin—sometimes even doubling the dose—just to get rest. But the problem was that I would wake up feeling groggy or dealing with headaches—and I knew there had to be a better, natural alternative.”
Determined to find a solution, Unger researched acupressure techniques and envisioned a wearable product that could promote relaxation without medication. By October 2024, Sleep Hypnos was born.
From Concept to Startup
Unger assembled a team of JCU students to help bring his vision to life, including John Raguz ’26, Chief Financial Officer, Pat Bohan ’28, Chief Operating Officer, and Danny Villa Alcaraz ’28, Chief Marketing Officer. Within months, Sleep Hypnos secured its first grant, built a prototype, and established an LLC.
“The progress has been incredible,” Unger said. “By Thanksgiving break, we had a working prototype. Over winter break, we conducted initial studies, and in January, we officially became a business. Now, we’re focused on branding, marketing, and preparing for our first pop-up event.”
Support from JCU’s Entrepreneurial Community
Unger credits the entrepreneurship department at JCU with helping him develop his business.
Through LaunchNET, a program that aids John Carroll students in funding and implementing their business ideas, Unger received mentorship, funding opportunities, and business guidance, helping him refine his business model.
“The university also connected us with alumni and professionals who can help us scale, and the small class sizes and accessibility of professors have been a game-changer, giving me a direct line to advice, networking, and hands-on learning,” Unger said.
Unger is also working with JCU faculty to explore Sleep Hypnos’ potential applications in the healthcare field.
Looking Ahead for Sleep Hypnos and Unger
As Sleep Hypnos gears up for its official launch, Unger and his team are dedicated to refining their innovative product and expanding brand awareness. To showcase their technology and connect directly with potential customers, they're hosting a pop-up event on Wednesday, March 19, at the D.J. Lombardo Student Center on John Carroll University’s campus, with sessions at 1:30 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m.
In addition to growing Sleep Hypnos, Unger is set to graduate from JCU through an accelerated five-semester track, made possible by credits earned from multiple Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a law degree at the University at Buffalo. His long-term aspirations include a career in corporate law, and a potential future in public office.
“John Carroll has challenged me to keep striving, stay driven, and get involved in ways I never imagined,” said Unger. “I am living proof that JCU is a place where you can grow, take risks, and build something bigger than yourself. I have made a forever home at John Carroll, and I have developed a forever mindset—one that continues to shape me into the person I am today.”
