Dr. Rebecca Robbins is a sleep scientist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
She investigates how sleep affects cardiometabolic health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and long-term health outcomes. Her work focuses on designing and testing behavioral interventions to improve sleep health and increase awareness of sleep disorders. She also teaches courses in health communication and public health at Harvard University.
Education & Credentials
- Ph.D. in Health Communication & Health Marketing – Cornell University
- Postdoctoral Fellowships in Sleep & Circadian Neurobiology – NYU School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School
Professional Experience & Contributions
- Researcher at Brigham & Women’s Hospital’s Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders
- Author and co-author of over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and 15 book or encyclopedia chapters
- Co-author of Sleep for Success! with Dr. James B. Maas
- Designs sleep-improvement interventions implemented in community and corporate health programs
Areas of Expertise
- Sleep health and circadian science
- Behavioral sleep interventions
- Health communication and preventive medicine
Awards & Honors
- Research featured in JAMA, BMJ, Sleep Health, Prevention Science
- Recipient of multiple academic and media recognition awards for public engagement in sleep science
Leadership & Affiliations
- Faculty member, Harvard Medical School and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Associate Sleep Scientist, Brigham & Women’s Hospital
- Scientific advisor for wellness and wearable technology organizations, including Ōura
Publications & Media
Her research has been widely featured in The New York Times, Financial Times, and across major television networks including The Today Show, ABC Nightline, and CBS This Morning.
