Featured Member - Jason Ong, PhD

I am an associate professor of neurology at Northwestern University in the Feinberg School of Medicine. I direct the BSM program within the Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, which includes the BSM clinic and the BSM research lab.

Where would you like to see the field in 10 years?

I would like to see BSM as a vibrant multidisciplinary field that consists of leaders in sleep medicine, behavioral medicine, and sleep health. In addition to the established role of BSM in treating insomnia and improving CPAP adherence, my hope is to see BSM activities grow in the prevention and management of sleepiness and fatigue and the promotion of sleep health.

How did you decide to specialize in behavioral sleep medicine (what got you started, who did you decide to work with along the way)?

I have been interested in sleep since I was very young. Part of it was my intellectual fascination with the role of sleep and part of it was my own experience with insomnia. In fact, the first paper that I ever wrote on behavioral treatments for insomnia was for my 9th grade biology class!

I have been very lucky to work with several great sleep mentors, including Roseanne Armitage, Ed Stepanski, Rachel Manber, James Wyatt, and now Phyllis Zee. They helped to foster and guide my interest in sleep and to connect me with opportunities to grow in the field.

What are your favorite things to do away from the office?

I love team sports and competing in anything athletic! In my youth, I played basketball, soccer, and football. Now, I enjoy working out and running on a regular basis. I keep an exercise log of all my workouts and from 2010 to 2016, I have averaged 200 days of exercise per year.