As a middle-aged lawyer, I’ve spent countless nights tossing and turning, my sleep disrupted by my own thunderous snoring. It wasn’t just affecting my rest; my wife was at her wit’s end, and I found myself nodding off during important case briefings. I knew I needed help, but finding the right sleep doctor felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.
That’s when I embarked on a journey to discover the best sleep doctors in the country. After extensive research and consultations, I’ve compiled a list of eight exceptional sleep specialists who have not only helped me but have also changed the lives of thousands of patients struggling with sleep disorders.
These doctors aren’t just experts in their field; they’re lifesavers for those of us battling sleep issues. From pulmonologists to neurologists, each brings a unique perspective to the complex world of sleep medicine. Whether you’re dealing with sleep apnea, insomnia, or any other sleep-related problem, these professionals have the knowledge and experience to guide you towards better nights and more energetic days.
1. Dr. Michael L. Cohen, MD
Dr. Michael L. Cohen, MD, is a highly experienced sleep medicine specialist based in Walnut Creek, California. With over 60 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Cohen has established himself as a distinguished practitioner specializing in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. He completed his medical education at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1963 and furthered his training with an internship, residency in Internal Medicine, and Fellowship in Pulmonary Disease at Boston City Hospital.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cohen has held several notable positions, including Director of Pulmonary Services at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek from 1974 to 2004 and Medical Director of Contra Costa Sleep Center in Walnut Creek and Brentwood. He is currently affiliated with John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek and is accepting new patients, offering both in-person and telehealth appointments. Dr. Cohen is known for his patient-centered approach, taking the time to educate his patients about their medical conditions and treatment options.
Dr. Cohen’s expertise in sleep medicine is complemented by his board certifications in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease. His commitment to patient care is evident in the positive reviews from his patients, who appreciate his caring nature and ability to explain complex medical concepts in an understandable manner. Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Cohen enjoys spending time with his family, which includes three children and six grandchildren, and pursues hobbies such as reading, exercising, and attending sporting events.
2. Sleep Telemedicine With Dr. John Williams
Dr. John Williams is a highly qualified sleep specialist and the founder of Online Sleep Doctor, a telemedicine service dedicated to helping people with sleep disorders. He graduated from the University of Zagreb’s School of Medicine in 1993 and completed his residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Dr. Williams further specialized in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine through a fellowship at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.
With his extensive background in sleep and pulmonary care, Dr. Williams offers comprehensive online consultations for various sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy. His research focuses on investigating the cellular mechanisms of vascular endothelial dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea and addressing cardiovascular complications associated with sleep deprivation and COPD.
The Online Sleep Doctor platform provides a convenient and accessible way for patients to receive high-quality sleep care from the comfort of their homes. Dr. Williams offers video consultations, at-home sleep testing, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs. This approach allows individuals to save time and money by avoiding visits to physical centers while still receiving expert care.
Dr. Williams’ sleep telemedicine service covers a wide range of sleep issues, from diagnosis to treatment. After an initial consultation, patients may receive an at-home sleep test to help diagnose their condition. Based on the results, Dr. Williams develops a customized treatment plan, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy, CPAP management, or other appropriate interventions.
The cost of a sleep telemedicine consultation with Dr. Williams is $400, which includes the initial consultation. Any additional treatments or tests may incur extra costs depending on the patient’s specific condition. The service accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare, making high-quality sleep care more accessible to a broader range of patients.
3. Dr. Robert Doekel, Jr, MD
Dr. Robert Doekel, Jr, MD, serves as the Medical Director of the Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama. While the provided search results do not contain specific information about Dr. Doekel, his role as Medical Director of a specialized sleep center suggests that he is an expert in the field of sleep medicine. Sleep Disorders Centers typically diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep-related conditions, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and other sleep disorders.
As the Medical Director, Dr. Doekel likely oversees the clinical operations of the Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive evaluations and appropriate treatments for their sleep-related issues. His position indicates that he has extensive experience in sleep medicine and plays a crucial role in managing patient care and advancing sleep disorder treatments in Alabama.
4. Dr. Krishna M. Sundar, MD
Dr. Krishna M. Sundar, MD, serves as the Medical Director of the Sleep-Wake Center at the University of Utah. With an impressive array of board certifications in sleep medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care, and internal medicine, Dr. Sundar brings a comprehensive approach to sleep disorders. His expertise spans across various aspects of sleep health, allowing him to address complex cases with a multidisciplinary perspective.
At the University of Utah’s Sleep-Wake Center, Dr. Sundar leads a team dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep disorders. His role as Medical Director involves overseeing clinical operations, ensuring high-quality patient care, and advancing sleep medicine research and education. Dr. Sundar is known for his kind and compassionate approach to patient care, which complements his extensive medical knowledge.
5. Dr. James M. Parish, MD
Dr. James M. Parish, MD, is a distinguished pulmonologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a career spanning over 39 years. He is affiliated with Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix and has established himself as an expert in sleep medicine, pulmonary disease, and critical care. Dr. Parish’s educational background includes a medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, followed by a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
Dr. Parish’s expertise extends beyond general pulmonology, as he specializes in pleural disease and has significant experience in sleep medicine. His comprehensive approach to patient care is evident in his board certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine. Dr. Parish’s commitment to excellence in his field has earned him recognition as a Top Doctor in Arizona and the status of Fellow in the American College of Physicians.
Patients praise Dr. Parish for his ability to explain medical conditions clearly and his trustworthiness. His practice at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale offers both in-person and telehealth appointments, making his expertise accessible to a wide range of patients. Dr. Parish’s contributions to the field of sleep medicine and pulmonology are further exemplified by his numerous publications in respected medical journals, focusing on topics such as obstructive sleep apnea and its relationship to metabolic syndrome.
6. Dr. Robson Capasso, MD
Dr. Robson Capasso, MD, is a distinguished figure in the field of sleep medicine and otolaryngology. He serves as the Chief of Sleep Surgery and Professor of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Capasso’s expertise spans across multiple disciplines, including head and neck surgery, neurosciences, and sleep medicine. His research has significantly contributed to the pre-treatment evaluation and surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
As an Associate Dean of Research at Stanford University School of Medicine, Dr. Capasso plays a crucial role in advancing translational research. His current research interests focus on utilizing large datasets and consumer-based devices for managing sleep-disordered breathing. Dr. Capasso’s international recognition has led him to lecture and share knowledge globally, mentoring hundreds of medical students, residents, fellows, and visiting scholars from over 30 countries.
Dr. Capasso’s commitment to innovation in healthcare is evident in his role as an Advisor to the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign. He has been instrumental in fostering health innovation training for multidisciplinary teams and engineers, with a broad global impact. His board certifications in Otolaryngology and Sleep Medicine, along with his extensive training and fellowships, underscore his comprehensive expertise in these fields.
7. Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, MD, PhD, MS
Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, MD, PhD, MS, is a prominent sleep physician and Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California San Francisco – Fresno. Her career has been dedicated to expanding the boundaries of global sleep health, with a particular focus on pediatric sleep medicine. Dr. DelRosso’s diverse educational background includes a medical degree from the University of Miami, a residency in family medicine, a fellowship in sleep medicine, and a PhD from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.
Dr. DelRosso’s commitment to global health is exemplified by her involvement in various international initiatives. She participated in the 2010 earthquake relief program in Haiti and directed a 2020 World Sleep Day initiative to improve children’s sleep in a Haitian community. Her work extends to training community health workers in the Dominican Republic and California, focusing on early intervention programs for young children.
As a researcher, Dr. DelRosso leads an international task force to establish diagnostic criteria for restless sleep disorder. She has authored “Pediatric Sleep Pearls” and edited “Sleep Neurology: A comprehensive guide to basic and clinical aspects”. Her active involvement in the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, where she chairs the International Members Taskforce, further demonstrates her dedication to advancing the field of sleep medicine globally.
8. Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph, MD, PhD
Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph, MD, PhD, is a highly accomplished neurologist and sleep medicine specialist based in Allen, Texas. With board certifications in neurology, sleep medicine, and neurophysiology, Dr. Joseph brings a comprehensive approach to treating sleep disorders. He has been practicing in the Dallas area since 1997, establishing himself as a respected figure in the field. Dr. Joseph’s expertise extends beyond clinical practice, as he has contributed significantly to research in neurology and sleep medicine. His work includes studies on neuronatin gene expression and its implications for various neurological conditions.
Dr. Joseph’s practice, located at 931 Ridgeview Dr in Allen, Texas, offers a wide range of services, including AASM-Accredited Sleep Centers and an accredited DME/CPAP program. His commitment to patient care is evident in his approach, which combines his extensive medical knowledge with a kind and persistent demeanor. Dr. Joseph has been recognized for his contributions to the field, receiving awards such as the CMS Meaningful Use Stage 1 Certification and the Physician Recognition Award from the American Medical Association.
