As a middle-aged business owner, I’ve always prided myself on burning the midnight oil to get ahead. But lately, my snoring has become more than just a nuisance for my partner—it’s affecting my sleep quality and, consequently, my daytime performance. After years of dismissing it as a minor inconvenience, I finally decided to take my sleep health seriously.
In my search for solutions, I’ve discovered that sleep medicine is a complex and fascinating field, with specialists who can address everything from structural issues in the nose and throat to neurological sleep disorders. Whether you’re dealing with snoring like me, battling insomnia, or facing more complex sleep-related challenges, finding the right sleep doctor can be a game-changer for your health and quality of life.
That’s why I’ve compiled this list of nine outstanding sleep specialists from across the United States. Each of these doctors brings unique expertise to the table, from cutting-edge surgical techniques to holistic approaches that consider your overall health. As someone who’s navigated the world of sleep medicine firsthand, I can attest to the importance of finding a doctor who not only understands the science of sleep but also takes the time to understand you as an individual.
1. Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, MD
Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, MD, is a distinguished sleep physician and professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). With a diverse educational background, she earned her medical degree from the University of Miami, completed a residency in family medicine at Kaiser Permanente through UC Irvine, and pursued a sleep medicine fellowship at Louisiana State University. Dr. DelRosso’s commitment to education is further evidenced by her master’s degree in medical education from the University of Pennsylvania and Valencia International University in Spain, as well as a PhD from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.
Dr. DelRosso’s expertise extends beyond clinical practice, as she is deeply involved in research, particularly focusing on restless sleep and restless legs syndrome. She leads an international task force dedicated to establishing diagnostic criteria for restless sleep disorder, demonstrating her significant contributions to the field. Her academic prowess is further highlighted by her role as the lead author of “Pediatric Sleep Pearls” and editor of “Sleep Neurology: A comprehensive guide to basic and clinical aspects”.
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 over three decades of experience in the field, Dr. Williams offers expert care for a wide range of sleep-related issues, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy.
Dr. Williams’ educational background is impressive. He graduated from the University of Zagreb’s School of Medicine in 1993, followed by a residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He then completed a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. 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.
Through Online Sleep Doctor, Dr. Williams provides comprehensive sleep telemedicine services that allow patients to receive high-quality care from the comfort of their own homes. The process typically begins with an online consultation, during which Dr. Williams diagnoses the patient’s symptoms and recommends an at-home sleep test if necessary. Following the test, he develops a personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual’s specific needs and lifestyle.
One of the key advantages of Dr. Williams’ telemedicine service is its accessibility. Patients can schedule appointments without a physician referral, saving time and money compared to traditional in-person visits. This approach is particularly beneficial for busy individuals who might otherwise neglect their sleep health due to time constraints or cost concerns.
Dr. Williams’ expertise extends beyond sleep apnea to include a range of sleep disorders. He offers cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and treatment for conditions such as restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy. Additionally, his practice provides support for CPAP equipment setup and management, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care throughout their treatment journey.
3. Dr. Duane Birky, MD
Dr. Duane Birky, MD, is a board-certified neurologist based in Little Rock, Arkansas, with a specialization in sleep medicine. With over three decades of experience in the field, Dr. Birky has established himself as a respected figure in neurology and sleep disorders. He completed his medical education at Indiana University School of Medicine, followed by an internship in internal medicine and a residency in neurology at the same institution.
Dr. Birky’s expertise encompasses a wide range of sleep-related conditions, with particular focus on sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. His practice involves both clinical care and the use of advanced sleep technology to diagnose and treat various sleep disorders. Dr. Birky is affiliated with several medical centers in Arkansas, including Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock, Conway, and Little Rock, showcasing his commitment to providing care across multiple communities.
4. 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.
Dr. Capasso’s current research interests focus on the clinical utilization of large datasets and consumer-based devices for managing sleep-disordered breathing. His work has garnered both local and international recognition, leading to numerous speaking engagements worldwide. As a mentor, Dr. Capasso has supervised hundreds of medical students, residents, fellows, and visiting scholars from over 30 countries. His commitment to fostering innovation in healthcare is evident through his role as an advisor to the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign and his involvement in the Stanford Medical Leadership Academy.
5. Dr. Talene M. Churukian, DO
Dr. Talene M. Churukian, DO, is a Board Certified Sleep Specialist based in California. Her educational background is diverse, having completed a Master’s in Public Health from Boston University before pursuing her medical degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Dr. Churukian’s training in osteopathic medicine has shaped her approach to patient care, emphasizing a broader, more holistic perspective.
Dr. Churukian completed her post-graduate training at the UCLA/VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System in Internal Medicine and was one of the first two fellows to complete an ACGME-approved Sleep Medicine Fellowship at the VA. Her practice in sleep medicine is comprehensive, addressing not only sleep-disordered breathing and narcolepsy but also insomnia, circadian sleep phase disorders, sleep-related movement disorders, parasomnias, and hypersomnias.
Dr. Churukian is passionate about sleep medicine and advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to treating sleep disorders. She emphasizes the importance of considering psychosocial and emotional factors that affect sleep, believing in treating the patient holistically rather than just focusing on the disorder. Her vision for a comprehensive Sleep Center incorporates this multidisciplinary approach, aiming to provide comprehensive care for patients with any sleep disorder.
6. Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph, MD, PhD
Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph, MD, PhD, is a highly accomplished neurologist and sleep medicine specialist based in Texas. Board-certified in both neurology and sleep medicine, Dr. Joseph brings a wealth of experience to his practice. He completed his medical education at St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore, India, followed by a neurology residency at Henry Ford Hospital. Dr. Joseph’s expertise is further enhanced by his PhD, which focused on the cloning of Neuronatin, a gene implicated in various neurological conditions.
Dr. Joseph’s research interests are diverse and impactful. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of Neuronatin (NNAT), an imprinted gene that he cloned in 1994. His work has implications for conditions such as Lafora body disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. With over 72 publications on Neuronatin, Dr. Joseph has established himself as a leading authority in this field. In his clinical practice, Dr. Joseph specializes in treating a wide range of sleep disorders, with a particular focus on sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
7. Dr. Beth Malow, MD, MS
Dr. Beth Malow, MD, MS, is a distinguished figure in the field of sleep medicine, serving as the Director of the Vanderbilt Sleep Division and holding the position of Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Malow’s educational background is impressive, with an MD from Northwestern University and additional training at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Malow’s research focuses on the intersection of sleep disorders with other neurological conditions, particularly epilepsy and autism. She has led significant studies, including a NIH/NINDS multi-center clinical trial examining the effects of treating obstructive sleep apnea in adults with epilepsy, and an NIH/NICHD trial of melatonin for insomnia in children with autism. As the principal investigator for Vanderbilt’s Autism Treatment Network site, Dr. Malow is at the forefront of developing standards of medical care for children with autism, with a particular emphasis on sleep-related issues.
8. Dr. Alen N. Cohen, MD
Dr. Alen N. Cohen, MD, is a highly accomplished otolaryngologist based in California, specializing in otolaryngology, sleep medicine, and facial plastic surgery. As the founder and CEO of C/V ENT Surgical Group and 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 is renowned for his expertise in treating conditions such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and chronic sinus headaches.
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, focusing on minimally invasive techniques for managing nose and sinus disorders, thyroid diseases, and head and neck tumors. Dr. Cohen is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery and is a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Rhinologic Society.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Cohen is committed to advancing the field of otolaryngology through research and education. He serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, where he actively engages in teaching surgical residents and medical students. Dr. Cohen is also recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive procedures, including in-office Balloon Sinuplasty and outpatient Minimally Invasive Image Guided Sinus Surgery (MIGSS).
9. Dr. James M. Parish, MD
Dr. James M. Parish, MD, is a distinguished physician based in Arizona, with certifications in sleep medicine, internal medicine, and pulmonary medicine. While specific details about Dr. Parish’s background and practice are not provided in the given search results, his triple certification suggests a comprehensive approach to patient care, particularly in the realm of sleep-related breathing disorders.
As a specialist certified in sleep medicine, Dr. Parish likely focuses on diagnosing and treating various sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and circadian rhythm disorders. His additional certification in pulmonary medicine would provide him with in-depth knowledge of respiratory physiology and pathology, which is particularly relevant in treating sleep-disordered breathing.
Dr. Parish’s expertise in internal medicine further enhances his ability to provide holistic care, considering the complex interplay between sleep disorders and other medical conditions. This multidisciplinary approach allows him to address the full spectrum of factors that may contribute to a patient’s sleep issues, from respiratory concerns to systemic health problems.
.jpg)
