Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for overall health and wellbeing, yet millions of Americans struggle with sleep disorders and poor sleep quality. For those dealing with persistent sleep issues, consulting a sleep specialist can be an important step toward finding effective solutions. Sleep doctors are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep-related conditions, from insomnia and sleep apnea to narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome.
This article highlights seven of the top sleep doctors across the United States, known for their expertise, innovative approaches, and track records of helping patients achieve restful, restorative sleep.
Dr. John Williams is a distinguished sleep specialist and the founder of Online Sleep Doctor, a pioneering telemedicine service dedicated to diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Dr. Williams’ extensive medical background includes a degree from the University of Zagreb’s School of Medicine, followed by a residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He further honed his expertise with a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.
Dr. Williams’ sleep telemedicine practice offers a comprehensive approach to sleep care, providing patients with the convenience of online consultations and
at-home sleep testing. This innovative model allows individuals to receive high-quality sleep and pulmonary care from the comfort of their own homes. The services include video consultations, follow-up visits, and CPAP management, ensuring that patients receive personalized and effective treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.
2. Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph, MD, PhD
Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph, MD, PhD is a highly qualified sleep medicine specialist practicing in Texas. Board certified in both neurology and sleep medicine, Dr. Joseph brings a wealth of expertise to his practice. He completed his medical degree from the Postgraduate Institute in Chandigarh, India, and furthered his education with a Ph.D. from the University of London. Dr. Joseph’s training continued with a residency at Henry Ford Hospital and a fellowship at Beth Israel and Harvard Medical School, providing him with a strong foundation in neurology and sleep medicine.
His academic achievements are complemented by prestigious accolades, including the NIH-Clinical Investigator Award and the Harold G. Wolff, IV.D. Lecture Award. Dr. Joseph currently practices at his clinic in Plano, Texas, where he accepts new patients and offers telehealth services.
His expertise covers a wide range of sleep disorders, making him a valuable resource for patients seeking specialized sleep care in the Texas area.
3. Dr. Robert Doekel, Jr, MD
Dr. Robert Doekel, Jr., MD is a distinguished figure in the field of sleep medicine in Alabama. As the Medical Director of the Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama, Dr. Doekel has played a pivotal role in advancing sleep medicine in the state.
He co-founded the first accredited sleep center in Alabama, which was among the first dozen clinical sleep centers in the entire United States. Dr. Doekel’s credentials are impressive, with board certifications in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Sleep Medicine. He received his M.D. from the University of Louisville and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by a Pulmonary fellowship at UAB and the University of Colorado Cardiopulmonary Research Laboratory.
With over 30 years of experience in the field, Dr. Doekel has not only expanded the services of his center but also contributed significantly to educating and training numerous medical professionals throughout Alabama. His commitment to patient care is evident in the center’s approach, which emphasizes thorough evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for every patient.
4. Dr. Mauricio Reinoso, MD
Dr. Mauricio Reinoso is a highly esteemed medical professional specializing in sleep medicine, pulmonology, and critical care. He currently serves as the Medical Director of the Alaska Sleep Clinic, where he is dedicated to expanding and enhancing sleep medicine services across Alaska. Dr. Reinoso is board-certified in pulmonary medicine, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine, reflecting his extensive expertise and commitment to patient care.
Dr. Reinoso completed his medical degree at the Universidad de Guayaquil in Ecuador in 1984. He then pursued further training in the United States, completing his residency in internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center from 1987 to 1990. Following this, he undertook a fellowship in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, which he completed in 1993. Throughout his career, Dr. Reinoso has been recognized for his contributions to medical research, with numerous publications in prestigious journals such as Chest and The American Review of Respiratory Disease.
Dr. Reinoso’s clinical interests include the treatment of interstitial lung disease, obstructive lung disease, and sleep apnea. His dedication to improving patient outcomes is evident in his leadership role at the Alaska Sleep Clinic, where he aims to deliver comprehensive and high-quality sleep medicine services to the community. His affiliations with several hospitals, including Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and St. Luke’s Health, further underscore his commitment to providing exceptional care.
5. Dr. Michael L. Cohen, MD
Dr. Michael L. Cohen is a distinguished specialist in pulmonology and sleep medicine based in Walnut Creek, California. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Cohen is known for his expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of respiratory and sleep disorders. He practices at the Respiratory Medical Group and is affiliated with Sutter Health’s network, ensuring that his patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care.
Dr. Cohen earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at Boston City Hospital and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center of Boston, where he gained extensive training in internal medicine and pulmonary disease. Dr. Cohen is board-certified in internal medicine and pulmonary disease, highlighting his proficiency in these fields.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cohen has been praised for his patient-centered approach, taking the time to thoroughly explain medical conditions and treatment options to his patients. His practice emphasizes the importance of personalized care, and he is known for his compassionate and approachable demeanor. Dr. Cohen’s dedication to his patients is reflected in the positive feedback he receives, with many patients appreciating his thoroughness and the clarity of his explanations.
Dr. Cohen’s clinical interests include the management of sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions. His extensive experience and commitment to patient care make him a highly respected figure in the field of sleep medicine and pulmonology.
6. Dr. James M. Parish, MD
Dr. James M. Parish, MD is a highly respected sleep medicine specialist based in Scottsdale, Arizona. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Parish is board-certified in Sleep Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pulmonary Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship training at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. Dr. Parish currently serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, where he has held leadership positions including Chair of the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine.
At the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Dr. Parish is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Hospital-Phoenix and specializes in treating a wide range of sleep disorders. His expertise encompasses conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and other complex sleep-related issues. Patients consistently praise Dr. Parish for his thorough evaluations, clear explanations, and compassionate care. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named a “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly.
7. Dr. Mark J. Buchfuhrer, MD
Dr. Mark J. Buchfuhrer, MD is a renowned pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist practicing in Downey, California. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Toronto, followed by specialized training in pulmonary diseases at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Buchfuhrer is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine, demonstrating his comprehensive expertise in these interconnected fields.
With a particular focus on Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), Dr. Buchfuhrer has established himself as a leading authority in this area. He serves as the Medical Director of the Southern California RLS Support Group and has authored several publications on the subject, including books for both patients and healthcare professionals. Dr. Buchfuhrer is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including PIH Health Hospital-Downey, where he has consistently received high patient satisfaction ratings. His patients appreciate his thorough examinations, clear communication, and dedication to providing personalized care.
