7 Best Sleep Doctors
Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health, yet millions of people struggle with sleep disorders that disrupt their daily lives. From insomnia and sleep apnea to restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy, these conditions can severely impact one’s physical and mental well-being.
Fortunately, sleep medicine specialists, or sleep doctors, are dedicated to diagnosing and treating these disorders, helping patients achieve restful and restorative sleep.
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 innovative treatments, compassionate care, and commitment to improving sleep health.
1. Dr. John Williams, MD
Dr. John Williams is a certified sleep medicine specialist and the brains behind Online Sleep Doctor. He got his medical degree from the University of Zagreb’s School of Medicine back in 1993. After that, he did his residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Then, he went on to specialize in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. His main focus in research is figuring out how obstructive sleep apnea messes with the cells in our blood vessels.
With more than 15 years of hands-on experience, Dr. John Williams is known as a go-to expert when it comes to spotting and treating all sorts of sleep problems.
Through his online sleep clinic, Online Sleep Doctor, Dr. Williams offers virtual sleep consultations for people battling issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and messed-up sleep schedules.
Here’s how it works: you start by filling out an online form detailing your sleep struggles and medical history. Dr. Williams takes a look at all that info, then schedules a video chat to talk about your symptoms, possibly order some sleep tests, and come up with a game plan that’s all about you.
Dr. Williams likes to keep things evidence-based. That means he might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy, meds if needed, and tips for improving your sleep habits and lifestyle. He’s all about getting to the root of the problem, not just patching up the symptoms.
For folks dealing with sleep apnea, Dr. Williams can sort out home sleep tests and hook you up with a CPAP machine or whatever else might help during your virtual visit. His goal? To make sure top-notch sleep care is just a click away for anyone across the country.
Thanks to his smarts, focus on patients, and modern approach to medicine, Dr. John Williams is considered one of the top sleep docs doing their thing online.
2. Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph, MD, PhD
Dr. Rajiv M. Joseph, MD, PhD, is a seasoned sleep medicine specialist based in Plano, Texas. With board certifications in neurology and sleep medicine, Dr. Joseph brings a wealth of expertise to his practice. His academic journey includes earning a medical degree from the Postgraduate Institute in Chandigarh and a PhD from the University of London. He further refined his skills through residency at Henry Ford Hospital and fellowship training at Beth Israel and Harvard Medical School.
In his professional capacity, Dr. Joseph focuses on diagnosing and treating various sleep disorders, with a particular emphasis on conditions like sleep apnea. He is affiliated with esteemed medical institutions such as Medical City Dallas, Medical City Plano, and Texas Health Frisco, among others. Operating from his practice, Sleep Matters Ltd., located at 7920 Preston Rd Ste 100, Plano, TX 75024, Dr. Joseph provides comprehensive care to his patients.
Known for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Joseph is praised by patients for his adeptness in explaining conditions and his trustworthy demeanor. To enhance accessibility, he offers telehealth services, ensuring convenient access to care. Additionally, his proficiency in Filipino and Spanish enables effective communication with a diverse patient demographic.
Dr. Joseph strives to make healthcare accessible and affordable, accepting various insurance plans, including Medicare and BlueCross BlueShield. He welcomes new patients and appointments can be arranged by contacting his office.
Recognized for his contributions to the field, Dr. Joseph has garnered accolades such as the NIH-Clinical Investigator Award and the Harold G. Wolff, IV.D. Lecture Award. With a stellar reputation and positive patient feedback, Dr. Joseph continues to make significant strides in advancing sleep medicine and patient care.
3. Dr. Krishna M. Sundar, MD
Dr. Krishna M. Sundar, MD, is a highly respected sleep medicine specialist serving as the Medical Director of the Sleep-Wake Center at the University of Utah. With board certifications in sleep medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care medicine, and internal medicine, Dr. Sundar brings a wealth of expertise to his practice.
His journey in medicine began with his training in India, followed by a residency in internal medicine at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University, New York. He further honed his skills through a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine at the University of Utah.
Throughout his professional career, Dr. Sundar has played a pivotal role in the advancement of pulmonary and sleep medicine. He has spearheaded the development of specialized programs at the University of Utah, such as a multi-disciplinary sleep apnea clinic and a follow-up program for CPAP patients. Additionally, he has contributed to the establishment of a multidisciplinary cough clinic featuring speech behavioral therapy.
Beyond his work at the University of Utah, Dr. Sundar has collaborated with the Utah Valley Pulmonary group, where he initiated an interstitial lung disease program and led research in pulmonary and critical care.
Dr. Sundar is renowned for his holistic approach to patient care, recognizing the vital role of sleep in overall health and the management of chronic conditions. His dedication to excellence has earned him recognition as one of Castle Connolly’s Region’s Top Doctors in Pulmonary Disease from 2013 to 2017, as well as a placement in the Top 10% of America’s most honored professionals by the American Registry in 2016.
Operating from his practice at 375 Chipeta Way, Suite 200A, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, Dr. Sundar ensures accessibility to quality care by accepting a wide range of insurance plans, including Aetna, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Oscar, and UnitedHealthcare. Moreover, his affiliation with the University of Utah Hospital guarantees his patients access to premier medical facilities.
With a patient rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 117 reviews, Dr. Sundar’s commitment to delivering exceptional patient care is evident. His contributions to the field are further underscored by his participation in national and international forums, where he presents on various topics in pulmonary and sleep medicine, cementing his reputation as a leader in his field.
4. Dr. Duane Birky, MD
Dr. Duane Birky is a highly experienced sleep medicine specialist and neurologist based in North Little Rock, Arkansas. With over 36 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Birky has established himself as a leading figure in the treatment of sleep disorders. He graduated from Indiana University in 1987 and is board-certified in both neurology and sleep medicine.
Dr. Birky is affiliated with several medical facilities, including Baptist Health Medical Center North Little Rock and Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway. He is known for his warm bedside manner and personal touch, which have earned him high patient satisfaction ratings. Dr. Birky is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), highlighting his commitment to the field.
His practice is located at the Baptist Health Specialty Clinic in North Little Rock, where he offers telehealth appointments and is accepting new patients. Dr. Birky frequently treats conditions such as sleep apnea and insomnia, and his multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care for his patients.
5. Dr. Talene M. Churukian, DO
Dr. Talene M. Churukian is a board-certified sleep medicine specialist and internal medicine physician based in Palm Desert, California. She has over 20 years of experience in the medical field and is affiliated with Eisenhower Medical Center. Dr. Churukian completed her medical degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and her residency in internal medicine at the UCLA/VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.
Dr. Churukian’s practice focuses on a wide range of sleep disorders, including sleep-disordered breathing, narcolepsy, insomnia, circadian sleep phase disorders, sleep-related movement disorders, parasomnias, and hypersomnias. She is passionate about treating the patient as a whole, taking into account psychosocial and emotional factors that affect sleep.
Her practice is located at 41990 Cook St, Palm Desert, CA, where she offers both in-person and telehealth appointments. Dr. Churukian is known for her comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to sleep medicine, aiming to improve patients’ quality of life by addressing all aspects of their health.
Dr. Churukian is also actively involved in the development of a comprehensive Sleep Center that incorporates a multidisciplinary approach to treating sleep disorders. She is highly rated by her patients for her attentiveness and ability to explain conditions well.
6. Dr. Mark J. Buchfuhrer, MD
Dr. Mark J. Buchfuhrer, MD, is a highly regarded specialist in pulmonology and sleep medicine based in Downey, California. He completed his medical education at the University of Ottawa School of Medicine in 1977. Following this, he undertook his residency in internal medicine at the University of Toronto, completing it in 1980, and a fellowship in pulmonary disease and critical care at UCLA Harbor in 1982.
With over 21 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Buchfuhrer is board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, and sleep medicine. He is affiliated with PIH Health Hospital-Downey and has established a notable presence in the field of sleep medicine, particularly in the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Dr. Buchfuhrer is recognized for his expertise in treating sleep apnea, asthma, and RLS. He has developed a significant outpatient practice focused on RLS and has contributed extensively to the understanding and management of this condition. His contributions include authoring several publications on RLS, including patient guides and handbooks for doctors. His research encompasses topics such as the effects of gabapentin enacarbil on sleep disturbance in RLS patients and the efficacy of various treatments for RLS.
In his clinical practice, Dr. Buchfuhrer operates at the Sleep Disorders Clinic in Redwood City, California, and also consults with patients at multiple locations in Downey. His approach to patient care is comprehensive, involving advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services for sleep disorders. Known for his patient-centered care, he is dedicated to improving sleep health through innovative treatments and personalized care plans.
Dr. Buchfuhrer has garnered positive feedback from patients, who commend his knowledge and compassionate care. He is highly recommended for his ability to manage complex sleep disorders and his commitment to finding effective solutions for his patients.
7. Dr. Craig Calloway, MD
Dr. Craig Calloway, MD, a seasoned specialist in otolaryngology and sleep medicine, is based in Visalia, California. Graduating from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1978, he completed his residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center in 1983.
With over 45 years of experience, Dr. Calloway is board-certified in otolaryngology and sleep medicine. Affiliated with Kaweah Health Medical Center, he served as the Director of the Visalia Medical Clinic’s Sleep Disorders Center. His extensive experience spans clinical practice and administrative roles in sleep medicine.
Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia, Dr. Calloway’s expertise in otolaryngology complements his work in sleep medicine, enabling him to address complex cases involving the upper airway. Additionally, he has contributed to expanding access to sleep medicine care through telehealth services, particularly benefiting patients in remote areas.
Practicing at the Visalia Medical Clinic, Dr. Calloway offers a range of services, including telehealth appointments. Known for his patient-centered approach, he provides personalized treatment plans and utilizes advanced diagnostic tools to enhance sleep health. Welcoming new patients, he emphasizes accessibility through telehealth services.
Highly regarded by his patients, Dr. Calloway is praised for his respectful and thorough approach to care, often receiving positive reviews for his ability to fully address questions and his kind demeanor. Despite his impending retirement, he remains a trusted figure in the field of sleep medicine.