Meet the Team

I hold a PhD in chronobiology and have more than 10 years of experience in circadian and sleep research at top academic centres as NYU Medical and Harvard Medical School and an MBA in innovation. My work in the field of circadian research includes the effects of blue light, caffeine, shiftwork, and circadian misalignment of sleep, cognitive performance, metabolic changes, and mood.

In addition to my research experience, I have held various roles in medical affairs in the pharmaceutical industry before starting my own company in 2022, Rüger Healthcare Consulting LLC. My unique background of scientific excellence, industry, and entrepreneurial experience, enables me to find tailor-made solutions for individuals and groups around the topics of circadian rhythms, sleep, and performance enhancement.

My mission together with Ina is to offer you the latest insights from the field of sleep and circadian research and help you to apply it to be best version of yourself, may that be on the field or on the job.

Melanie Rüger, PhD MBA

Co-Founder of Elite Sleep & Performance Group

Zinedin Sacirbey is a former Semi-professional footballer in Germany with a youth academy background in the United States. He currently plays for the Men's Soccer program at Emmanuel College in Boston and is majoring in psychology and neuroscience.

Alongside his educational studies and playing career, he is passionate about performance science, neuroscience and athletic development - exploring how sleep, mindset and training can unlock elite potential both on and off the field. During high school, he successfully completed internships at BIDMC/Harvard sleep study labs, was a part of his high school's (Boston Latin Academy) National Honor Society program and captain of his varsity soccer team showcasing his ability to combine high level academics and athletics simultaneously.

His role as the administrative coordinator of the Elite Sleep and Performance Group includes overseeing, assisting and planning the selection of services for interested clients, organizations and sport teams as well as maintaining relationships with past clients, and managing daily operational needs.

Ina Djonlagic, MD, FAASM

Founder of Elite Sleep & Performance Group

I am an Assistant Professor in Neurology at the Harvard Medical School, board certified in both Neurology and Sleep Medicine, and have consistently been recognized as a “Top Doctor” in Sleep Medicine since 2019. I also serve as an editor for Current Sleep Medicine Reports on topics related to sleep and athletes.
My clinical work with patients experiencing sleep disorders and cognitive difficulties has shaped my research focus on understanding how sleep supports memory, learning, recovery, and cognitive performance. My research has been supported by organizations including the National Institutes of Health and the American Sleep Medicine Foundation.
In addition to research and clinical care, I am passionate about educating the public on sleep and performance through real-world clinical expertise. With more than two decades of experience, my goal is to provide balanced, evidence-informed, and practical guidance tailored to the individual. Over the years, I have worked with athletes and high performers seeking to optimize sleep, recovery, cognitive performance, and resilience, helping bridge the gap between evolving sleep science and practical application.

Zinedin Sacirbey

Administrative Coordinator