Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our health and well-being, yet millions of people struggle with sleep disorders that disrupt their daily lives. From insomnia and sleep apnea to restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy, these conditions can severely impact one’s quality of life.
Fortunately, sleep medicine specialists are dedicated to diagnosing and treating these disorders, helping patients achieve restful and restorative sleep.
In this article, we will introduce you to 7 of the best sleep doctors who are making significant strides in the field of sleep medicine. These experts are renowned for their innovative approaches, compassionate care, and commitment to improving sleep health.
1. Dr. John Williams, MD
Dr. John Williams is a sleep medicine expert and the brains behind Online Sleep Doctor. He got his medical degree from the University of Zagreb in 1993. After that, he did his residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Then, he went on to do a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. His research dives into the nitty-gritty of what happens in our cells when we have obstructive sleep apnea.
With more than 15 years under his belt, Dr. John Williams knows his stuff when it comes to diagnosing and treating sleep problems.
Through Online Sleep Doctor, Dr. Williams offers virtual sleep consultations for people dealing with sleep issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and circadian rhythm disorders.
Here’s how it works: You fill out a form online, sharing details about your sleep struggles and medical history. Dr. Williams takes a look, then sets up a video chat to talk about your symptoms, order any needed tests, and create a plan just for you.
Dr. Williams relies on proven methods, like cognitive behavioral therapy, medication when needed, and tips on how to improve your sleep habits and lifestyle. His goal is to get to the root of the problem, not just treat the symptoms.
If you have sleep apnea, Dr. Williams can arrange for you to do a sleep test at home and prescribe CPAP or other treatments during your virtual visit. He wants to make top-notch sleep care easy and convenient for folks all across the country.
Thanks to his knowledge, focus on patients, and modern approach, Dr. John Williams is one of the go-to sleep doctors offering care online.
2. Dr. Krishna M. Sundar, MD
Dr. Krishna M. Sundar, MD, is a respected specialist in sleep medicine and serves as the Medical Director of the Sleep-Wake Center at the University of Utah. With board certifications in Sleep Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, and Internal Medicine, Dr. Sundar brings a wealth of expertise to his practice. He underwent his medical training in India before completing a residency in Internal Medicine at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University, New York, followed by a fellowship in Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Utah.
Throughout his career, Dr. Sundar has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the sleep medicine program at the University of Utah. Noteworthy contributions include establishing a multi-disciplinary sleep apnea clinic in partnership with ENT specialists, implementing a follow-up program for CPAP-treated patients, and creating a multidisciplinary cough clinic incorporating speech behavioral therapy. These initiatives have significantly expanded and enhanced the quality of sleep medicine services available at the institution.
Active in research, Dr. Sundar has presented his work at both national and international conferences. His research interests span various facets of pulmonary and sleep medicine. He has garnered recognition for his contributions, notably being listed among Castle Connolly’s Region’s Top Doctors in Pulmonary Disease consecutively from 2013 to 2017 and featured in the Top 10% of America’s most honored professionals in the 2016 American Registry.
Dedicated to patient care and education, Dr. Sundar emphasizes the crucial role of sleep in overall health and the management of chronic conditions. His patients consistently rate him highly, with a patient rating score of 4.8 out of 5 based on 117 reviews, underscoring his unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care.
3. Dr. Robert Doekel, Jr, MD
Dr. Robert Doekel, Jr., MD, is a distinguished pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist, currently serving as the Medical Director of the Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama. Graduating from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1967, he went on to complete his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Alabama Medical Center. Dr. Doekel holds board certifications in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine.
With over 56 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Doekel is a seasoned expert in sleep apnea. He played a pivotal role in co-founding Alabama’s first accredited sleep center, which was among the pioneering dozen clinical sleep centers in the United States. Under his guidance, the Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama has emerged as a premier institution for sleep medicine, offering a comprehensive range of services including evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for patients with various sleep disorders.
Dr. Doekel has made significant contributions to clinical trials and research studies, particularly focusing on the treatment of sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy. His work has been widely published in reputable journals, and he has been actively involved in the accreditation of numerous sleep centers across the United States.
In his approach to patient care, Dr. Doekel places a strong emphasis on thoroughness and continuity. He ensures that patients are attended to both before and after their sleep studies to prevent any communication gaps and to maintain continuity in their care. With his guidance, the Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama conducts over 1000 studies annually and provides regular follow-up care to ensure patients adhere to their treatment plans.
4. Dr. Mauricio Reinoso, MD
Dr. Mauricio Reinoso, MD, a seasoned pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist, practices in Sugar Land, Texas. Currently serving as the Medical Director of the Alaska Sleep Clinic, he oversees a range of comprehensive sleep medicine services. With over 39 years of medical experience, Dr. Reinoso holds particular expertise in interstitial lung disease, obstructive lung disease, and sleep apnea.
Educated at the Universidad de Guayaquil, School of Medicine, Dr. Reinoso earned his medical degree in 1984. He furthered his training with a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (1987-1990), followed by a fellowship in Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester (1990-1993).
Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Reinoso holds medical licenses in Texas, Minnesota, and Alaska.
Throughout his career, Dr. Reinoso has held academic and clinical roles, including as an Instructor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. His contributions to medical literature include publications in esteemed journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine, Chest, and The American Review of Respiratory Diseases.
Dr. Reinoso is recognized for his patient-centered approach, particularly in pediatric sleep medicine, where he emphasizes understanding the unique physiology of children. Patients commend him for his clear explanations, trustworthiness, and efficient care delivery.
5. Dr. James M. Parish, MD
Dr. James M. Parish, MD, is a distinguished pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, he brings over 45 years of experience to his practice. Dr. Parish’s expertise spans pleural disease, sleep medicine, and general pulmonology.
He embarked on his medical journey at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, earning his medical degree in 1978. Following this, 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 from 1978 to 1984.
Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Parish holds medical licenses in California, Arizona, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Throughout his career, Dr. Parish has held significant roles at the Mayo Clinic, including Chair of the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine and Medical Director of the Center for Sleep Medicine. His contributions have earned him recognition as a top doctor in Arizona by Castle Connolly, along with the Super Doctor designation.
In the realm of research, Dr. Parish has made significant contributions, particularly in sleep medicine. His studies have delved into various aspects, such as the treatment of sleep apnea and the risk of sleep-disordered breathing in individuals with scleroderma. Noteworthy publications featuring his work include those in esteemed journals like the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine and the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health.
Dr. Parish’s dedication to patient care is evident in his practice. Known for his patient-friendly approach, he ensures that individuals receive timely and effective treatment. His commitment extends to offering telehealth services, further enhancing accessibility for his patients.
6. Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, MD, PhD, MS
Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, MD, PhD, MS is a distinguished sleep physician and Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Her career spans a profound dedication to pediatric sleep medicine, global health initiatives, and medical education.
Dr. DelRosso’s educational journey is extensive, including a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Miami, a Family Medicine Residency at Kaiser Permanente through UC Irvine, and a Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Louisiana State University. Additionally, she holds master’s degrees in Medical Education from the University of Pennsylvania and Neuropsychology from Valencia International University in Spain, along with a PhD from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.
Throughout her professional journey, Dr. DelRosso has held several prominent positions. Since January 2023, she has served as a Professor at UCSF. Previously, she was a Pediatric Sleep Physician at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Associate Professor at the University of Washington from 2018 to 2023. She also served as the Associate Director of the Sleep Disorders Center at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania while working as a Sleep Physician at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
In the realm of contributions and research, Dr. DelRosso has made significant strides. She has been actively involved in global health initiatives, participating in earthquake relief efforts in Haiti and training community health workers in the Dominican Republic and California. Dr. DelRosso also co-chaired the World Sleep Day committee and has been an active member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Her research has primarily focused on restless sleep and restless legs syndrome, where she led an international task force to establish diagnostic criteria for restless sleep disorder. Additionally, she is the lead author of “Pediatric Sleep Pearls” and editor of “Sleep Neurology: A comprehensive guide to basic and clinical aspects.”
Throughout her career, Dr. DelRosso has garnered recognition for her contributions. Notably, she has received numerous accolades, including a humanitarian award from the AASM Foundation. This recognition significantly impacted her career by supporting her community-directed projects and research initiatives.
7. Dr. Mark J. Buchfuhrer, MD
Dr. Mark J. Buchfuhrer, MD, is a highly respected sleep medicine specialist and pulmonologist based in California. Affiliated with the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, his expertise lies in treating restless legs syndrome (RLS) and various other sleep disorders.
Dr. Buchfuhrer’s educational journey includes earning his Medical Degree (MD) from a reputable institution, with specialized training in pulmonology and sleep medicine, although specific details are not provided.
With a distinguished career in sleep medicine, Dr. Buchfuhrer practices at the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, renowned internationally for its exceptional patient care and pioneering research. Additionally, he maintains affiliations with other medical institutions, including a practice in Downey, California.
Renowned for his contributions to the field, Dr. Buchfuhrer specializes in treating restless legs syndrome (RLS), characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs due to uncomfortable sensations. His clinical practice encompasses comprehensive services for diagnosing and treating various sleep disorders, utilizing the latest research and technology.
Committed to personalized patient care, Dr. Buchfuhrer stresses the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans to enhance patients’ quality of life. His approach integrates multidisciplinary care, collaborating closely with other specialists to address the intricate needs of sleep disorder patients.