Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our overall health and well-being, yet millions of people worldwide struggle with sleep disorders that disrupt their rest and daily functioning. From insomnia and sleep apnea to restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy, these conditions can have profound impacts on physical and mental health. This is where sleep doctors, or somnologists, come into play. These specialized physicians are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of sleep disorders, helping patients achieve better sleep and, consequently, better health.
Sleep doctors come from various medical backgrounds, including neurology, pulmonology, psychiatry, and otolaryngology, and they undergo additional specialized training in sleep medicine.
In this article, we will introduce you to 7 of the best sleep doctors who have made significant contributions to the field of sleep medicine. These experts are renowned for their clinical excellence, innovative research, and dedication to improving the lives of those affected by sleep disorders.
1. Dr. John Williams, MD
Dr. John Williams is an expert in sleep medicine and the founder of Online Sleep Doctor. He graduated from the University of Zagreb’s School of Medicine in 1993. After completing his residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, he went on to specialize in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Williams is passionate about understanding the cellular mechanisms of vascular endothelial dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. John Williams is known for his expertise in diagnosing and treating various sleep disorders.
At Online Sleep Doctor, Dr. Williams offers virtual sleep consultations for conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and circadian rhythm disorders.
Here’s how it works: Patients fill out an online form detailing their sleep issues and medical history. Dr. Williams then reviews this information and schedules a video consultation to discuss symptoms, order necessary sleep tests, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Williams takes an evidence-based approach, using cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management, and advising on sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes to address underlying causes rather than just symptoms.
For patients with sleep apnea, Dr. Williams can arrange home sleep apnea tests and prescribe CPAP or other therapies during the virtual visit, making high-quality sleep care accessible and convenient nationwide.
With his expertise, patient-centered approach, and innovative online model, Dr. John Williams is a leading figure in virtual sleep care services.
2. Dr. James M. Parish, MD
Dr. James M. Parish is a highly experienced pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist based in Scottsdale, Arizona. He received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1978. Following graduation, Dr. Parish 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, Minnesota.
Dr. Parish is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He holds medical licenses in multiple states, including Arizona, California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. With over 45 years of experience, Dr. Parish is currently affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He serves as the Chair of the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine and is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Medical School. Additionally, he is the Medical Director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Specializing in pleural disease, general pulmonology, and sleep medicine, Dr. Parish has extensive experience treating conditions such as sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. His research and publications focus on the treatment of sleep apnea and the relationship between physical activity and sleep apnea risk. Throughout his career, Dr. Parish has received numerous accolades, including being named a Top Doctor by Arizona State Castle Connolly in 2013 and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians in 2006. He has also been recognized as a Super Doctor by SuperDoctors.com.
Patients have praised Dr. Parish for his ability to explain conditions well, his trustworthiness, and the friendly nature of his staff. He offers telehealth appointments and is known for his efficient patient care, with most patients being seen in 10 minutes or less.
3. Dr. Duane Birky, MD
Dr. Duane Birky is a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist based in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 1987 and has over 36 years of experience in the medical field. He is board-certified in neurology and sleep medicine, and he is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Additionally, he holds an active medical license in Florida.
Dr. Birky is affiliated with Baptist Health Medical Center North Little Rock and Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway. He practices at the Baptist Health Specialty Clinic in North Little Rock, where he is accepting new patients and offers telehealth appointments. His specializations include neurology and sleep medicine, with a particular focus on treating sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. His expertise in sleep medicine is well-recognized through his board certifications and fellowship with the AASM.
Patients have provided positive feedback about Dr. Birky, noting his expertise in sleep medicine and his ability to provide effective treatment for sleep disorders. He is known for his patient-centered approach and his commitment to improving sleep health. Dr. Birky is also a member of several professional organizations related to sleep medicine and neurology, further emphasizing his dedication to his field. His affiliation with Baptist Health Medical Center underscores his commitment to providing high-quality care to his patients.
4. Dr. Alen N. Cohen, MD, FACS, FARS
Dr. Alen N. Cohen, MD, FACS, FARS, is a highly esteemed board-certified ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) and Head & Neck Surgeon. He specializes in otolaryngology, sleep medicine, and facial plastic surgery. As the founder and director of the Southern California Sinus Institute, Dr. Cohen focuses on the medical and surgical management of nasal and sinus disorders. He is renowned for his expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques, particularly the revolutionary In-Office Balloon Sinuplasty procedure and Minimally Invasive Image Guided Sinus Surgery (MIGSS).
Dr. Cohen graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA with a B.S. in Neuroscience. He earned his M.D. from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where he also completed his residency in Head and Neck Surgery. His training included rotations at several prestigious hospitals, including Harbor General County Hospital, Olive View Medical Center, Wadsworth Veteran’s Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA).
Dr. Cohen has been recognized as a top doctor by Los Angeles Magazine and Modern Angeleno Magazine for over a decade and has been a Castle-Connelly Top Doctor since 2017. He has also received numerous awards for his compassionate care and expertise, including the Patient’s Choice Award and the Most Compassionate Doctor award from Vitals.com.
His clinical focus includes the treatment of chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, nasal obstruction, deviated septum, and chronic sinus headaches. He also treats patients with snoring and sleep apnea, performing various procedures to alleviate these conditions. His practice emphasizes the combination of functional and cosmetic outcomes in surgical management.
Dr. Cohen is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where he actively engages in teaching surgical residents and medical students. He is also involved in research and has extensively published in the field of nasal and sinus surgery.
5. Dr. Michael L. Cohen, MD
Dr. Michael L. Cohen is a distinguished medical practitioner with over 40 years of experience in pulmonology and sleep medicine. Since 1974, he has been serving the Walnut Creek community, earning a reputation for his commitment to personalized patient care. Dr. Cohen specializes in diagnosing and treating pulmonary diseases and sleep disorders.
Dr. Cohen attended Dartmouth College and the University of Cincinnati Medical School. He completed his internship, residency in Internal Medicine, and Fellowship in Pulmonary Disease at the Boston City Hospital. Throughout his career, he has held significant professional roles. From 1974 to 2004, he served as the Director of Pulmonary Services at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. Since 1999, he has been the Medical Director of the Contra Costa Sleep Center in Walnut Creek and Brentwood. Additionally, he served as the Medical Director of John Muir Medical Center from 1974 to 2003.
Dr. Cohen’s clinical focus includes treating various pulmonary conditions and sleep disorders. He emphasizes the importance of patient education to ensure compliance with therapy, helping patients understand their medical problems and treatment plans. His areas of expertise include sleep apnea, insomnia, and other sleep-related breathing disorders.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Cohen enjoys spending time with his family, which includes three children and six grandchildren. His hobbies include being a “family handyman,” reading, exercising, and attending sporting events.
6. Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph, MD, PhD
Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph is a highly accomplished sleep medicine specialist based in Plano, Texas. He is board certified in both neurology and sleep medicine, demonstrating his extensive expertise in these fields. Dr. Joseph completed his medical education at the Postgraduate Institute in Chandigarh, India, and holds a PhD from the University of London. He then pursued residency training in neurology at Henry Ford Hospital and a fellowship in sleep medicine at Beth Israel and Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Joseph has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the NIH-Clinical Investigator Award and the Harold G. Wolff, IV.D. Lecture Award. He currently practices at Sleep Matters Ltd. in Plano, where he evaluates and treats a wide range of sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
Dr. Joseph is affiliated with several hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Medical City Plano, Medical City Dallas, Medical City Fort Worth, Texas Health Frisco, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, Carrollton Regional Medical Center, and UT Health Carthage. He is highly regarded by his patients, who praise his ability to explain conditions well, his trustworthiness, and the friendliness of his staff.
7. Dr. Krishna M. Sundar, MD
Dr. Krishna M. Sundar is the Medical Director of the Sleep-Wake Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He is board certified in sleep medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care medicine, and internal medicine, showcasing his comprehensive expertise in respiratory and sleep-related disorders.
After completing his medical training in India, Dr. Sundar pursued residency in internal medicine at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University, followed by fellowships in pulmonary, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine at the University of Utah. He has extensive experience in all aspects of pulmonary and sleep medicine, having presented at numerous national and international forums on these topics.
Dr. Sundar’s primary goal as the Sleep Center physician is to educate patients and providers on the importance of sleep in maintaining health and improving outcomes for chronic illnesses. He has consistently been recognized as one of Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors in Pulmonary Disease from 2013 to 2017 and was featured in the Top 10% of America’s most honored professionals in 2016.
Patients praise Dr. Sundar for his politeness, respectfulness, and ability to explain conditions clearly. He is highly regarded for his expertise and commitment to providing exceptional care to individuals with sleep disorders and respiratory conditions.
