Dr. Rébecca Robillard
Dr. Rébecca Robillard, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist and associate professor at the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa. She directs clinical sleep research at the University of Ottawa Mental Health Research Institute at The Royal. She co-chairs the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, a national hub of scientists and clinicians advancing research and interventions to optimize sleep health throughout the lifespan, and holds the Ottawa University Health Network Research Chair in Sleep and Mental Health.
Dr. Robillard's main research areas focus on how insomnia, mental health and neurological conditions interact with the brain and heart during sleep. She leverages new technologies to improve access to personalized sleep care. She participates in the development and dissemination of sleep-related guidelines and the translation of sleep sciences into clinical practice and health promotion initiatives.
Ever curious about the wonders and mysteries of sleep, Dr. Robillard writes the "Sleep Whisperer" column for The Globe.
Why did you become a journalist?
I was first drawn to sleep research out of pure fascination. Sleep is this strange, altered state of consciousness that we all enter every night, yet understand surprisingly little about. The more I studied it, the more I realized how profoundly sleep shapes nearly every aspect of our health, from mental well-being to cardiovascular functions and cognitive performance. Journalism became a natural extension of that journey. I wanted to take what we are learning in the lab and translate it into something useful and accessible for all. Writing about sleep in the public space felt like a chance to close the gap between science and everyday life — and to shine a brighter light on something we too often neglect.
Education
PhD Neuropsychology, Université de Montréal
Post-doctorate in Chronobiology and Psychiatry, University of Sydney
Post-doctorate Neuroimaging and Depression, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience
Post-doctorate in Psychiatric Sleep Research, University of Ottawa
Honours & Awards
Ottawa Academic Health Network University Research Chair in Sleep and Mental Health
Early Researcher Award, Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities
Roger Broughton Young Investigator Award, Canadian Sleep Society
Young Investigator Inspiration Award, The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health
New Investigator Award, Australasian Sleep Association
Professional affliations
Ordre des psychologues du Québec; College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario
Languages spoken
French, English