Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our health and well-being, yet millions of people struggle with sleep disorders that can significantly impact their quality of life. Fortunately, there are dedicated medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating these complex conditions.
In this article, we’ll explore seven of the best sleep doctors who are making remarkable strides in the field of sleep medicine. These experts combine cutting-edge research, innovative treatments, and compassionate care to help patients achieve restful, restorative sleep.
1. Sleep Telemedicine With Dr. John Williams
Dr. John Williams is a highly qualified sleep specialist and the founder of Online Sleep Doctor, a sleep telemedicine service dedicated to helping patients with sleep disorders, particularly sleep apnea. With an impressive educational background, Dr. Williams graduated from the University of Zagreb’s School of Medicine in 1993. He then completed his residency in internal medicine at the prestigious Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, followed by a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.
As a sleep and pulmonary care expert, Dr. Williams has leveraged his extensive knowledge and experience to create a comprehensive online platform that offers convenient and personalized sleep care. His telemedicine service provides patients with video consultations, follow-up visits, at-home sleep testing, and CPAP management, all from the comfort of their own homes. This innovative approach to sleep medicine allows Dr. Williams to reach and assist a broader range of patients who may have difficulty accessing traditional in-person care.
Dr. Williams’ commitment to patient care is evident in his approach to diagnosis and treatment. He offers personalized consultations where he takes the time to listen to patients’ concerns and thoroughly evaluate their symptoms. His service includes the provision of at-home sleep tests, which are designed to be user-friendly and convenient. Once the test results are available, Dr. Williams works closely with each patient to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses their specific needs.
2. Dr. Robert Doekel, Jr., MD
Dr. Robert Doekel, Jr. is a distinguished figure in the field of sleep medicine, serving as the Medical Director of the Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama. With over 56 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Doekel has made significant contributions to sleep medicine and pulmonary disease. He co-founded the first accredited sleep center in Alabama, which was among the first dozen clinical sleep centers in the United States. This pioneering effort has set a high standard for sleep medicine in the region and beyond.
Dr. Doekel is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Sleep Medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Kentucky University and his medical degree from the University of Louisville. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and further specialized with a Pulmonary fellowship at UAB and the University of Colorado Cardiopulmonary Research Laboratory.
Under his leadership, the Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama has become a beacon of excellence, conducting over 1,000 sleep studies annually and seeing around 100 new patients each month. The center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, reflecting its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in patient care.
Dr. Doekel’s dedication extends beyond clinical practice; he has been instrumental in training other medical professionals and has participated in the accreditation of numerous sleep centers across the United States.
3. Dr. James M. Parish, MD
Dr. James M. Parish is a highly respected pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist based in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Hospital-Phoenix and serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Medical School. With over 39 years of experience, Dr. Parish is board certified in Sleep Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pulmonary Disease, making him a versatile and knowledgeable practitioner in his field.
Dr. Parish received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester. His extensive training and experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of various sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, which he has extensively researched and treated.
Throughout his career, Dr. Parish has been recognized for his contributions to medicine. He has received several awards, including being named a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. His research has been published in reputable journals, and he has been involved in studies examining the relationship between physical activity and sleep apnea, among other topics.
4. Dr. Alen N. Cohen, MD
Dr. Alen N. Cohen, MD, is a highly respected sleep specialist based in California. He is board-certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and has extensive expertise in sleep medicine and facial plastic surgery. Dr. Cohen is the founder and director of the Southern California Sinus Institute, where he has established himself as a leading expert in nasal and sinus disorders, as well as sleep-related breathing issues. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Cohen has performed more than 10,000 nose and sinus procedures, including over 3,000 in-office balloon sinuplasty treatments.
Dr. Cohen’s educational background is impressive, having graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA before earning his medical degree from the prestigious David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He completed his residency in Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA Medical Center, where he focused on minimally invasive techniques for managing nasal and sinus disorders, thyroid diseases, and head and neck tumors. Dr. Cohen’s expertise has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a Castle-Connelly Nationwide Top Doctor since 2017 and a Los Angeles Magazine Super Doctor since 2013.
5. Dr. Craig Calloway, MD
Dr. Craig Calloway, MD, is another esteemed sleep medicine specialist practicing in California. With over 45 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Calloway has established himself as a respected expert in both otolaryngology and sleep medicine. He is affiliated with Kaweah Health Medical Center and has been providing care to patients in the Visalia area for many years.
Dr. Calloway’s educational background includes graduating from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 1978. He is board-certified in both otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and sleep medicine, demonstrating his comprehensive expertise in these interconnected fields. Dr. Calloway’s practice offers a wide range of services, including the diagnosis and treatment of various sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and other sleep-related issues.
6. Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, MD
Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, MD, is a distinguished sleep medicine specialist and family medicine physician based in California. She currently serves as the Medical Director of the UCSF-Fresno CCFMG Sleep Medicine Center and Program Director of the UCSF-Fresno sleep medicine fellowship program. Dr. DelRosso’s impressive academic background includes a medical degree from the University of Miami, a PhD from the University of Portsmouth, and a master’s degree in medical education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Throughout her career, Dr. DelRosso has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing sleep medicine on a global scale. She has been involved in various international initiatives, including relief efforts in Haiti and training community health workers in the Dominican Republic. Her research focuses on restless sleep and restless legs syndrome, and she leads an international task force to establish diagnostic criteria for restless sleep disorder. Dr. DelRosso is also actively involved in the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, chairing the International Members Taskforce and contributing to the AASM Scoring Manual Editorial Team.
7. Dr. Robson Capasso, MD
Dr. Robson Capasso, MD, is a prominent figure in the field of sleep medicine and otolaryngology in California. He currently holds the position of 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.
Dr. Capasso’s research interests are diverse and impactful, focusing on pre-treatment evaluation and surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. He has also expanded his work to include the clinical utilization of large datasets and consumer-based devices for managing sleep-disordered breathing. As an educator, Dr. Capasso has mentored hundreds of medical students, residents, fellows, and visiting scholars from over 30 countries. His commitment to fostering health innovation is evident in his role as an Advisor to the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign, where he has supported the development of healthcare companies in various countries.
