The 9 Most Trusted Sleep Doctors You Should Know

As a middle-aged architect, I've spent countless nights tossing and turning, my sleep disrupted by my own thunderous snoring. It's not just about the noise – my wife's elbow jabs have become a nightly occurrence, and I've noticed my energy and focus waning during the day. After years of dismissing it as just a quirky sleep habit, I finally decided to take my snoring seriously and seek professional help.

That's when I discovered the world of sleep medicine and the incredible doctors who specialize in helping people like me get a good night's rest. These sleep experts are true heroes in white coats, armed with knowledge and technology to tackle everything from snoring to more complex sleep disorders.

In my quest for better sleep, I've researched and compiled a list of nine outstanding sleep doctors who are making waves in the field. Whether you're a fellow snorer, an insomniac, or someone dealing with any other sleep-related issue, these specialists might just hold the key to unlocking the restful sleep you've been dreaming of. 

So, let's dive into the world of sleep medicine and meet the doctors who are changing lives, one peaceful night at a time.

1. 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. He is also a clinical professor in the Pulmonary Division of the Department of Medicine at the same institution. Dr. Sundar is board-certified in Sleep Medicine and Pulmonary Disease, demonstrating his expertise in both fields. His work focuses on various sleep disorders, with a particular emphasis on obstructive and central sleep apnea. Dr. Sundar's research and clinical practice have contributed to a deeper understanding of these conditions and their impact on patients' health.

Dr. Sundar is known for his comprehensive approach to sleep disorders. He explains that a significant portion of the population experiences disordered breathing at night, with obstructive sleep apnea being more familiar to most people. However, he also emphasizes the importance of understanding central sleep apnea, which is often seen in patients with heart disease and neurological conditions. Dr. Sundar's expertise in differentiating between these two types of sleep apnea has been crucial in developing targeted treatment approaches for patients.

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. After graduating 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 then pursued a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, further honing his expertise in sleep-related issues.

With a focus on sleep and pulmonary care, Dr. Williams offers online sleep consultations for a wide range of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy. His research interests encompass 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 a convenient and accessible telemedicine service that allows patients to receive high-quality care from the comfort of their own homes. The platform offers at-home sleep studies, personalized treatment plans, and follow-up visits, all conducted virtually. This approach not only saves time and money for patients but also makes sleep disorder treatment more accessible to those with busy schedules or limited access to physical health centers.

Dr. Williams' telemedicine consultations are priced at $400, which covers the initial sleep consultation. During these sessions, he thoroughly discusses the patient's issues, reviews medications, and orders any necessary tests or therapies. If additional treatment is required, there may be extra costs depending on the specific condition. The service accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare, to ensure that high-quality care is accessible to as many people as possible.

Patients who have consulted with Dr. Williams praise his expertise, compassionate approach, and attention to detail. Many report significant improvements in their sleep quality and overall well-being after following his personalized treatment plans. From addressing snoring issues to diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, Dr. Williams has helped numerous individuals achieve restful nights and more energized days.

3. Dr. Michael L. Cohen, MD

Dr. Michael L. Cohen, MD, is a highly experienced physician specializing in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in California. With over 40 years of practice, Dr. Cohen has established himself as a respected figure in the field. He has been serving the Walnut Creek community since 1974, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to patient care. Dr. Cohen's educational background includes attending Dartmouth College and the University of Cincinnati Medical School, followed by specialized training in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease at Boston City Hospital.

Throughout his career, Dr. Cohen has held several leadership positions that highlight his expertise in sleep medicine. He served as the Director of Pulmonary Services at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek from 1974 to 2004. Additionally, he has been the Medical Director of Contra Costa Sleep Center in Walnut Creek and Brentwood since 1999, showcasing his dedication to sleep medicine. Dr. Cohen's approach to patient care emphasizes education, believing that well-informed patients are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans.

4. Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, MD

Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, MD, is a prominent figure in the fields of Family Medicine and Sleep Medicine, based in California. She is a professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she dedicates her efforts to advancing pediatric sleep health. Dr. DelRosso's journey into medicine began in her childhood in Peru, where she developed a passion for helping families and communities. She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami and completed her residency in Family Medicine at Kaiser Permanente, followed by a fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Louisiana State University. Additionally, she holds a PhD from the University of Portsmouth in the UK and a master's degree in medical education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. DelRosso's commitment to global sleep health is evident through her extensive involvement in various initiatives. She has worked on sleep health projects in Haiti, including leading efforts during the 2010 earthquake relief and directing a World Sleep Day initiative aimed at improving children's sleep in local communities. Her research focuses on restless sleep and restless legs syndrome, where she leads an international task force to establish diagnostic criteria for these conditions. Furthermore, she is an active member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and has contributed to numerous educational programs across Latin America, emphasizing her dedication to expanding knowledge and resources in sleep medicine.

5. Dr. Talene M. Churukian, DO

Dr. Talene M. Churukian, DO, is another esteemed specialist in California, focusing on Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine. With a comprehensive background that includes both clinical practice and academic involvement, Dr. Churukian has built a reputation for her patient-centered approach to care. She completed her medical education at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine and underwent residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Churukian’s dual expertise allows her to address complex medical issues that often accompany sleep disorders, ensuring that her patients receive holistic care.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Churukian is actively involved in educating future healthcare professionals about the importance of sleep medicine. She emphasizes the critical role that quality sleep plays in overall health and well-being, advocating for increased awareness of sleep disorders among both patients and healthcare providers. Her research interests include exploring the connections between sleep health and chronic diseases, aiming to enhance treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from various conditions related to sleep disturbances.

6. Dr. Michael S. Davis, MD

Dr. Michael S. Davis, MD, is a highly regarded specialist based in California, with expertise in Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine. His multifaceted training allows him to address a wide range of respiratory and sleep-related issues, making him a valuable asset in the management of patients with complex health conditions. Dr. Davis completed his medical education at the University of California, San Diego, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. His clinical practice focuses on the intersection of pulmonary diseases and sleep disorders, particularly emphasizing how conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma can affect sleep quality and overall health.

Dr. Davis is dedicated to advancing the understanding of sleep disorders within the context of pulmonary health. He actively engages in research aimed at improving diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities for patients suffering from sleep apnea and other related disorders. His work often involves collaborating with other specialists to develop comprehensive care plans that address both respiratory function and sleep health. By integrating his knowledge of critical care medicine, Dr. Davis provides holistic care that not only treats immediate health concerns but also promotes long-term wellness through improved sleep quality.

7. Dr. Beth Malow, MD, MS

Dr. Beth Malow, MD, MS, is a prominent figure in Sleep Medicine based at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where she serves as the Director of the Sleep Division. With a robust academic background that includes a medical degree from Northwestern University and extensive training in neurology and sleep medicine, Dr. Malow is recognized for her contributions to understanding the relationship between sleep and various neurological disorders. She holds the Burry Endowed Chair in Cognitive Childhood Development and is also a Vice Chair for Clinical Research in the Department of Neurology, highlighting her commitment to advancing both clinical practice and research.

Dr. Malow’s research primarily focuses on the interface between sleep disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and epilepsy. She has been instrumental in developing standards of care for children with autism through her role as principal investigator for Vanderbilt’s Autism Treatment Network. Her work emphasizes the importance of addressing sleep issues in this population, recognizing that poor sleep can exacerbate behavioral and cognitive challenges associated with autism. Additionally, Dr. Malow has published extensively on topics related to sleep medicine, including interventions for insomnia and the effects of sleep on seizure control in epilepsy patients.

8. Dr. Robert Doekel, Jr., MD

Dr. Robert Doekel, Jr., MD, is a highly respected sleep medicine specialist based in Alabama, serving as the Medical Director of the Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Dr. Doekel has played a pivotal role in advancing sleep medicine in the region. He is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease, which enhances his ability to address complex sleep disorders that often intersect with respiratory conditions. Under his leadership, the Sleep Disorders Center has established a reputation for providing comprehensive evaluations, diagnoses, and treatments for a wide array of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome.

Dr. Doekel is committed to patient-centered care, ensuring that each patient receives personalized attention throughout their treatment journey. The center conducts over 1,000 sleep studies annually and emphasizes follow-up care by scheduling appointments at regular intervals post-study to monitor patients' progress and adherence to treatment plans. This approach not only facilitates effective communication between patients and healthcare providers but also fosters a supportive environment for managing chronic sleep issues. Dr. Doekel's dedication to education extends beyond patient care; he has actively trained numerous medical professionals across Alabama, helping to establish new sleep centers and expand access to quality sleep medicine.

9. Dr. Craig Calloway, MD

Dr. Craig Calloway, MD, is a distinguished specialist in California with a focus on Otolaryngology (ENT) and Sleep Medicine. His dual expertise allows him to address sleep-related issues that often have anatomical or physiological underpinnings, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dr. Calloway completed his medical education at the University of California, San Francisco, followed by residency training in Otolaryngology at Stanford University. His training equips him with the skills necessary to perform surgical interventions when needed, alongside non-invasive treatments for sleep disorders.

In his practice, Dr. Calloway is particularly known for his thorough evaluations of patients suffering from sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders. He employs a multidisciplinary approach that includes collaborating with other specialists to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. Dr. Calloway's contributions extend into research as well; he has been involved in studies examining the efficacy of various treatments for sleep disorders and their impact on overall health outcomes. His commitment to advancing the field of sleep medicine is evident through his active participation in professional organizations and ongoing education initiatives aimed at improving patient care.