As a middle-aged singer, I’ve always prided myself on my ability to hit the right notes and captivate an audience. However, there’s one note I’ve been struggling with lately, and that’s the sound of my own snoring. It’s not just a minor inconvenience; it’s become a full-blown issue that affects not only my sleep but also my performances. After countless nights of restless tossing and turning, I realized it was time to seek help from the experts—sleep doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

In my quest for a good night’s sleep, I discovered that the world of sleep medicine is filled with talented professionals dedicated to helping people like me reclaim their rest. From those specializing in otolaryngology to experts in pulmonology and neurology, these doctors possess the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle a variety of sleep-related problems. 

In this article, I’ll share my findings on the nine best sleep doctors who have made significant strides in improving their patients’ lives. Whether you’re dealing with snoring, sleep apnea, or other sleep disturbances, these specialists are worth considering on your journey to peaceful slumber.

1. Dr. Robson Capasso, MD

Dr. Robson Capasso is a prominent figure in the field of sleep medicine, specializing in otolaryngology. He holds the esteemed position of Chief of Sleep Surgery at Stanford University, where he also serves as a Professor of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. With a robust academic background, Dr. Capasso has made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), focusing on surgical interventions and innovative management strategies. His extensive training encompasses head and neck surgery, neurosciences, and sleep medicine, equipping him with a comprehensive skill set to address complex sleep disorders.

Dr. Capasso’s research interests are particularly noteworthy; he has published extensively on the pre-treatment evaluation and surgical approaches for OSA. His current work emphasizes the clinical application of large datasets and consumer-based devices to enhance the management of sleep-disordered breathing. He is recognized not only for his clinical expertise but also for his commitment to education and mentorship, having guided numerous medical students and fellows from around the globe. As an advocate for health innovation, Dr. Capasso plays a pivotal role in fostering multidisciplinary collaborations aimed at improving patient outcomes in sleep medicine.

In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Capasso is actively involved in various professional organizations, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the International Sleep Surgery Society. His leadership extends beyond the clinic as he contributes to strategic research initiatives at Stanford Medicine, aiming to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications that benefit patients worldwide.

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 and respiratory health.

With a focus on sleep and pulmonary care, Dr. Williams offers comprehensive online consultations to address a wide range of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. His research interests encompass investigating the cellular mechanisms of vascular endothelial dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea and exploring the cardiovascular complications associated with sleep deprivation and COPD.

Through Online Sleep Doctor, Dr. Williams provides convenient and accessible telemedicine services for individuals struggling with sleep and pulmonary conditions. The platform offers easy-to-use solutions, including at-home sleep studies and personalized treatment plans. Patients can receive care from the comfort of their own homes, saving time and money while still receiving high-quality, specialized attention.

The sleep telemedicine service with Dr. Williams is priced at $400, which covers the initial consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Williams diagnoses symptoms, reviews medications, and orders necessary tests or therapies. If additional treatment is required, there may be extra costs depending on the specific condition. The service also includes follow-up visits, CPAP management, and support for equipment setup.

Dr. Williams’ approach to patient care is highly regarded, with numerous positive testimonials praising his expertise, compassion, and dedication. Patients appreciate the convenience of online appointments, the user-friendly home sleep tests, and the personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs. Many report significant improvements in their sleep quality and overall well-being after working with Dr. Williams.

3. Dr. Michael L. Cohen, MD

Dr. Michael L. Cohen is a highly respected medical practitioner specializing in pulmonary and sleep medicine, with over four decades of experience in the field. Based in Walnut Creek, California, he has been an integral part of the local medical community since 1974, where he has built a reputation for providing personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs. Dr. Cohen completed his medical education at Dartmouth College and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, followed by rigorous training in internal medicine and pulmonary disease at Boston City Hospital.

Throughout his career, Dr. Cohen has held significant leadership roles, including serving as the Director of Pulmonary Services at John Muir Medical Center for three decades. His expertise extends to managing sleep disorders through his position as Medical Director at the Contra Costa Sleep Center since 1999. Dr. Cohen emphasizes patient education as a cornerstone of effective treatment, believing that informed patients are more likely to adhere to their prescribed therapies.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Cohen is known for his dedication to community health and patient advocacy. He actively engages with patients to ensure they understand their conditions and treatment options, fostering a collaborative approach to healthcare. Outside of medicine, he values family life and enjoys hobbies such as reading and attending sports events with his children and grandchildren.

4. Dr. Krishna M. Sundar, MD

Dr. Krishna M. Sundar is a distinguished sleep medicine expert and the Medical Director of the Sleep-Wake Center at the University of Utah. He holds a clinical professorship in the Pulmonary Division of the Department of Medicine, where he is deeply involved in both clinical practice and academic research. Dr. Sundar’s expertise lies particularly in differentiating between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA), conditions that significantly impact patients’ respiratory health during sleep. His clinical approach emphasizes understanding the pathophysiology of these disorders, which often overlap, leading to complex presentations that require nuanced treatment strategies.

Dr. Sundar’s research contributions are notable, particularly his work on how intermittent hypoxia—a common occurrence in OSA—can sensitize the brain’s respiratory control centers, potentially exacerbating CSA. He has articulated how these conditions can influence one another, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evaluations to determine the appropriate management for patients experiencing sleep-disordered breathing. His dedication to advancing knowledge in sleep medicine is reflected in his active participation in clinical trials and his commitment to educating both patients and healthcare professionals about these critical health issues.

Beyond his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Sundar is known for his involvement in community health initiatives aimed at raising awareness about sleep disorders and their implications for overall health. His collaborative efforts with multidisciplinary teams enhance patient care and contribute to the broader understanding of sleep medicine within the medical community.

5. Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, MD

Dr. Lourdes DelRosso is a highly regarded physician specializing in family medicine and sleep medicine, based in California. She serves as a professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she focuses on advancing education and research in sleep health. Dr. DelRosso’s extensive training includes a medical degree from the University of Miami, a residency in family medicine at Kaiser Permanente, and a fellowship in sleep medicine at Louisiana State University. Her academic credentials are complemented by a PhD from the University of Portsmouth, underscoring her commitment to integrating research with clinical practice.

Dr. DelRosso has dedicated her career to improving sleep health on both local and global scales. She has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing pediatric sleep health, including leading community outreach programs that educate families about sleep disorders and their management. Her research interests include restless legs syndrome and other pediatric sleep disorders, where she plays a pivotal role in establishing diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. DelRosso has contributed significantly to global health efforts, participating in relief programs and training community health workers internationally. Her leadership roles within organizations such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine illustrate her influence in shaping policies and practices related to sleep medicine. Dr. DelRosso’s holistic approach combines her expertise in family medicine with her passion for improving sleep quality across diverse populations, making her a key figure in the field of sleep health.

6. Dr. Michael S. Davis, MD

Dr. Michael S. Davis is a prominent physician specializing in pulmonology, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine, based in California. With an extensive background in managing complex respiratory conditions, Dr. Davis has established himself as a leader in the multidisciplinary approach to sleep disorders, particularly those related to pulmonary health. He completed his medical degree at the University of California, San Diego, followed by residency training in internal medicine and fellowships in pulmonary and critical care medicine. This comprehensive training equips him with a unique perspective on the interplay between respiratory issues and sleep-related disorders.

In his clinical practice, Dr. Davis focuses on diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and disorders related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His expertise extends to utilizing advanced diagnostic tools such as polysomnography and home sleep apnea testing to ensure accurate assessments of patients’ conditions. Dr. Davis is also deeply involved in research aimed at understanding the implications of sleep-disordered breathing on overall health outcomes, particularly in critically ill patients.

Beyond his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Davis is committed to education and mentorship within the medical community. He actively participates in training programs for residents and fellows, emphasizing the importance of integrating sleep medicine into broader pulmonary care practices. His contributions to professional organizations and conferences further highlight his dedication to advancing the field of sleep medicine through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

7. Dr. Talene M. Churukian, DO

Dr. Talene M. Churukian is a well-respected physician specializing in internal medicine and sleep medicine, practicing in California. She received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Western University of Health Sciences and completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Churukian’s training includes a fellowship in sleep medicine, where she honed her skills in diagnosing and treating various sleep disorders while emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care.

In her practice, Dr. Churukian focuses on a wide range of sleep-related issues such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and sleep apnea. She is particularly noted for her patient-centered approach, which involves thorough evaluations that consider not only the medical history but also lifestyle factors that may contribute to sleep disturbances. This comprehensive assessment allows her to develop tailored treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient.

Dr. Churukian is also dedicated to advancing the field of sleep medicine through research and education. She actively engages with community outreach initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of good sleep hygiene and its impact on overall health. Her involvement in teaching medical students and residents reflects her commitment to fostering the next generation of healthcare providers who understand the critical role that sleep plays in patient wellness.

Through her clinical expertise and community engagement efforts, Dr. Talene M. Churukian continues to make significant contributions to improving sleep health in her community while advocating for better understanding and management of sleep disorders across diverse populations.

8. Dr. Alen N. Cohen, MD

Dr. Alen N. Cohen is a highly esteemed physician specializing in otolaryngology, sleep medicine, and facial plastic surgery, based in California. He is the founder and director of the Southern California Sinus Institute, a premier center dedicated to the medical and surgical treatment of nasal and sinus disorders. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Cohen has established himself as a leading expert in his field, particularly known for his innovative approaches to treating conditions such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and sleep apnea. His clinical practice integrates both functional and aesthetic considerations, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs.

Dr. Cohen’s educational background is impressive; he graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a B.S. in Neuroscience before earning his M.D. from the prestigious David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He completed a rigorous residency in head and neck surgery at UCLA Medical Center, where he developed expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques. His commitment to advancing the field is reflected in his role as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at UCLA, where he trains the next generation of surgeons in advanced otolaryngology practices.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Cohen has been recognized multiple times as a top doctor by various publications, including Los Angeles Magazine and Castle Connolly. He has also published extensively in the field of otolaryngology and actively participates in professional organizations such as the American Rhinologic Society and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His dedication to patient care and education makes him a respected figure in both the medical community and among his patients.

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

Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph is a distinguished neurologist and sleep medicine specialist practicing in Texas. Board-certified in both neurology and sleep medicine, Dr. Joseph brings a wealth of expertise to his practice, where he focuses on diagnosing and managing a wide range of neurological conditions that impact sleep health, including sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. He completed his medical education at St. John’s Medical College followed by extensive training in neurology at Henry Ford Hospital, where he developed a strong foundation in neurophysiology.

Dr. Joseph’s academic credentials are further enhanced by his PhD from the University of London, where he conducted significant research on neuronatin, an imprinted gene linked to various neurological conditions. His research contributions have led to numerous publications that explore the genetic underpinnings of neurological diseases and their implications for patient care. This research background informs his clinical practice, allowing him to approach sleep disorders with a comprehensive understanding of their neurological aspects.

In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Joseph is dedicated to patient education and community outreach, ensuring that individuals understand their conditions and treatment options thoroughly. He operates an AASM-accredited sleep center where he employs state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to provide accurate assessments for patients suffering from sleep disorders. His commitment to excellence has earned him recognition within the medical community as a trusted expert in both neurology and sleep medicine, making him an invaluable resource for patients seeking effective treatment for their sleep-related issues.