9 Sleep Doctors with Effective Treatment Plans

As a middle-aged police officer who’s spent countless nights on patrol, I thought I knew everything about staying alert. But when my wife started complaining about my thunderous snoring, I realized there was one area of my life that needed some serious backup – my sleep.

After years of restless nights and groggy mornings, I decided it was time to call in the experts. That’s when I discovered the world of sleep medicine and the dedicated doctors who specialize in helping folks like me get the rest we desperately need.

In my line of work, being sharp and focused can mean the difference between life and death. So, I’ve done my homework and rounded up a list of the 9 best sleep doctors out there. These aren’t just your average docs – they’re the cream of the crop when it comes to tackling sleep disorders head-on. From insomnia to sleep apnea (which, as it turns out, was the culprit behind my own nocturnal noise-making), these specialists have seen it all and know how to help.

1. Dr. Krishna M. Sundar, MD

Dr. Krishna M. Sundar, MD, is a distinguished figure in the field of sleep medicine, serving as the Medical Director of the Sleep-Wake Center at the University of Utah. As a clinical professor in the Pulmonary Division of the Department of Medicine, Dr. Sundar brings extensive expertise to his role. He is board-certified in both Sleep Medicine and Pulmonary Disease, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of respiratory and sleep-related disorders.

Dr. Sundar’s expertise is particularly evident in his ability to differentiate between various sleep disorders. He has provided valuable insights into the distinctions between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). His explanations highlight the complex nature of these conditions, with OSA characterized by upper airway collapse during sleep, and CSA involving pauses in breathing due to irregularities in the brain’s respiratory control center. Dr. Sundar’s work has also shed light on the prevalence of these disorders and their associations with other health conditions, such as heart disease and neurological disorders.

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. With a medical degree from the University of Zagreb’s School of Medicine in 1993, Dr. Williams completed his residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He further specialized by completing a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, solidifying his expertise in sleep and respiratory health.

As a board-certified specialist in Sleep and Pulmonary Care, Dr. Williams brings a wealth of knowledge to his telemedicine practice. His research focuses on investigating the cellular mechanisms of vascular endothelial dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea, as well as addressing cardiovascular complications associated with sleep deprivation and COPD. This background allows him to provide comprehensive care for a wide range of sleep-related issues, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy.

Dr. Williams’ approach to sleep medicine is patient-centered and technologically advanced. Through Online Sleep Doctor, he offers convenient and accessible telemedicine services, including video consultations, at-home sleep studies, and personalized treatment plans. This innovative approach allows patients to receive high-quality care from the comfort of their own homes, saving time and money while still benefiting from expert medical advice.

One of the key services offered by Dr. Williams is the Sleep Telemedicine consultation, priced at $400. This comprehensive service includes a thorough evaluation of the patient’s sleep issues, interpretation of at-home sleep study results, and the development of a tailored treatment plan. Dr. Williams’ expertise extends to various sleep disorders, and he is skilled in recommending appropriate therapies, including CPAP management for sleep apnea patients.

Patients consistently praise Dr. Williams for his compassionate approach, clear communication, and thorough explanations. Many have reported significant improvements in their sleep quality and overall well-being after following his treatment plans. His ability to make complex medical information accessible and his dedication to finding personalized solutions for each patient have earned him a reputation as a trusted and effective sleep specialist.

3. Dr. Robson Capasso, MD

Dr. Robson Capasso, MD, is a prominent figure in the field of sleep medicine and otolaryngology in California. He 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 extends beyond these roles, as he is also an Associate Dean of Research and an Advisor to the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign.

With a diverse medical background encompassing Head and Neck Surgery, Neurosciences, and Sleep Medicine, Dr. Capasso has conducted extensive research on the evaluation and surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. His current research interests focus on utilizing large datasets and consumer-based devices for managing sleep-disordered breathing. Dr. Capasso’s work has gained both local and international recognition, leading to numerous speaking engagements worldwide. He has been a mentor to hundreds of medical students, residents, fellows, and visiting scholars from over 30 countries, as well as Stanford Biodesign students who have gone on to develop healthcare companies globally.

4. Dr. James M. Parish, MD

Dr. James M. Parish, MD, is a distinguished sleep medicine specialist based in Arizona. He holds board certifications in Sleep Medicine from the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM), as well as in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine. Dr. Parish’s expertise extends beyond clinical practice, as he is also a prolific sleep researcher. His professional affiliation with the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, an AASM-accredited sleep center, allows him to contribute significantly to the field of sleep medicine.

At the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Parish is part of a team that treats approximately 3,000 people with sleep disorders each year. This extensive experience, combined with his research background, positions him as a leading figure in sleep medicine. Dr. Parish’s multidisciplinary approach, encompassing sleep, internal, and pulmonary medicine, enables him to provide comprehensive care to patients with complex sleep-related issues. His work at one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the country underscores his reputation as a top-tier sleep specialist.

5. Dr. Mauricio Reinoso, MD

Dr. Mauricio Reinoso, MD, serves as the Medical Director of the Alaska Sleep Clinic, an AASM-accredited sleep center that has gained recognition for its excellence in sleep medicine. In 2018, the Alaska Sleep Clinic was voted the Best Sleep Clinic in Alaska by CEO Magazine, a testament to Dr. Reinoso’s leadership and the quality of care provided under his direction.

Dr. Reinoso is known for his patient-centered approach and his ability to develop tailored solutions for sleep problems. He emphasizes the immediate impact of proper treatment, particularly in cases of sleep apnea. Dr. Reinoso’s dedication to his patients is evident in his statement: “When I work with a patient who has a problem such as sleep apnea, once we have matched the patient with the right equipment, the results are immediate”. This commitment to personalized care has earned him high regard among his patients and colleagues.

Furthermore, Dr. Reinoso envisions expanding high-quality, comprehensive sleep medicine services throughout Alaska. He has expressed his mission saying, “Alaska Sleep Clinic has a history of providing the most comprehensive sleep medicine services in the state of Alaska. Its potential has only begun. I am here to take these high-quality, comprehensive services to all Alaskans”. This vision demonstrates Dr. Reinoso’s commitment not only to individual patient care but also to improving sleep health across the entire state of Alaska.

6. Dr. Alen N. Cohen, MD

Dr. Alen N. Cohen, MD, is a highly respected otolaryngologist and sleep medicine specialist based in California. As the founder and CEO of the Southern California Sinus Institute, Dr. Cohen has established himself as a leading expert in nasal and sinus disorders. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of various conditions, including chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and chronic sinus headaches.

Dr. Cohen’s expertise extends beyond otolaryngology to include sleep medicine and facial plastic surgery. His comprehensive approach to patient care is evident in his treatment of snoring and sleep apnea, for which he performs various procedures, including in-office treatments. Dr. Cohen’s commitment to minimally invasive techniques has earned him recognition as an expert in the revolutionary In-Office Balloon Sinuplasty procedure.

Board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Cohen is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a Fellow of the American Rhinologic Society (FARS). His academic background is equally impressive, having graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA before earning his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

7. Dr. Michael S. Davis, MD

Dr. Michael S. Davis, MD, is a distinguished pulmonologist and sleep specialist practicing in Manteca, California. With over 41 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Davis has developed extensive expertise in pulmonary diseases, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine. His specialization in sleep apnea and obstructive lung disease makes him a valuable resource for patients with complex respiratory and sleep-related disorders.

Dr. Davis received his medical degree from the Far Eastern University Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation in 1982. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at New York Downtown Hospital and went on to pursue a fellowship in Pulmonary Disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Elmhurst). This comprehensive training has equipped him with the skills to handle a wide range of pulmonary and sleep-related conditions.

Currently affiliated with Doctors Hospital of Manteca, Dr. Davis is known for his patient-centered approach to care. He is praised for his ability to explain conditions clearly to his patients, ensuring they understand their diagnoses and treatment options. Dr. Davis’s commitment to accessible healthcare is evident in his offering of telehealth services, allowing patients to receive care remotely when appropriate.

8. Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph, MD, PhD

Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph, MD, PhD, is a highly accomplished sleep medicine specialist and neurologist based in Texas. With board certifications in neurology, sleep medicine, and neurophysiology, Dr. Joseph brings a comprehensive approach to treating sleep disorders. Since establishing his practice in the Dallas area in 1997, he has become a respected figure in the field of sleep medicine.

Dr. Joseph’s expertise extends beyond clinical practice. He completed his PhD at the University of London, where his research focused on neuronatin (NNAT), an imprinted gene he cloned in 1994. This groundbreaking work has led to numerous publications and ongoing research worldwide, with implications for conditions such as Lafora body disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. His academic background, combined with his clinical experience, allows Dr. Joseph to provide cutting-edge care to his patients.

At his practice, Dr. Joseph oversees AASM-Accredited Sleep Centers and an accredited DME/CPAP program, ensuring comprehensive care for patients with various sleep disorders. His multidisciplinary approach, encompassing neurology, sleep medicine, and neurophysiology, enables him to address complex sleep-related issues effectively. Patients have praised Dr. Joseph for his ability to explain conditions clearly and his trustworthy demeanor, highlighting his commitment to patient education and care.

9. Dr. Michael L. Cohen, MD

Dr. Michael L. Cohen, MD, is a distinguished pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist practicing in Walnut Creek, California. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Cohen has established himself as a leading expert in both pulmonary and sleep medicine. His extensive training includes a fellowship in Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine at Boston University Medical Center, preparing him for a comprehensive approach to respiratory and sleep-related disorders.

Throughout his career, Dr. Cohen has held several significant positions, including Director of Pulmonary Services at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek from 1974 to 2004. He has also served as the Medical Director of Contra Costa Sleep Center in Walnut Creek and Brentwood since 1999, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to advancing sleep medicine in his community.

Dr. Cohen is known for his patient-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of patient education in achieving compliance with therapy. He ensures that his patients thoroughly understand their medical conditions and treatment plans, fostering a collaborative approach to healthcare. This dedication to clear communication and patient involvement has likely contributed to his long-standing success in the field.