Sleep doctors, also known as sleep specialists or somnologists, are medical professionals trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep disorders. They come from various medical backgrounds, including neurology, pulmonology, psychiatry, and internal medicine, and often undergo specialized training in sleep medicine.
These experts use a combination of diagnostic tools, such as polysomnography (sleep studies), and personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve better sleep and improve their overall health.
In this article, we will introduce you to 7 of the best sleep doctors, renowned for their expertise, innovative treatments, and dedication to improving their patients’ sleep health.
Table of Contents
1. Dr. John Williams, MD
Dr. John Williams is a board-certified sleep medicine physician and the founder of Online Sleep Doctor. He earned his medical degree from the University of Zagreb’s School of Medicine in 1993. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and then pursued a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. His research focuses on the cellular mechanisms of vascular endothelial dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. John Williams is recognized as an expert in diagnosing and treating various sleep disorders. At Online Sleep Doctor, he offers sleep telemedicine service for individuals struggling with insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and circadian rhythm disorders.
The process begins with an online intake form where patients share details about their sleep issues and medical history. Dr. Williams reviews this information and schedules a video consultation to discuss symptoms, order any necessary sleep tests, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Williams uses an evidence-based approach, incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management when needed, and advice on sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes. He aims to address the root causes of sleep disorders, not just the symptoms.
For patients with sleep apnea, Dr. Williams can arrange home sleep apnea tests and prescribe CPAP or other therapy options during the virtual visit. His goal is to make high-quality sleep care accessible and convenient for patients nationwide.
Dr. John Williams is highly regarded for his expertise, patient-centered approach, and innovative online model, making him one of the leading sleep doctors providing virtual care services.
2. 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 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 and focused bedside manner, which has earned him high patient-satisfaction ratings. Dr. Birky is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), reflecting his commitment to excellence in the field.
His practice is located at the Baptist Health Specialty Clinic in North Little Rock, where he offers telehealth services and is accepting new patients. Dr. Birky frequently treats conditions such as sleep apnea and insomnia, and he is recognized for his personal touch and dedication to patient care.
3. 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. She was one of the first fellows to complete training in an ACGME-approved Sleep Medicine Fellowship at the VA.
Dr. Churukian’s practice focuses on a comprehensive approach to sleep medicine, treating a wide range of sleep disorders including sleep-disordered breathing, narcolepsy, insomnia, circadian sleep phase disorders, sleep-related movement disorders, parasomnias, and hypersomnias. She emphasizes the importance of treating the patient holistically, taking into account psychosocial and emotional factors that affect sleep.
Her practice is located at 41990 Cook St, Palm Desert, CA, where she offers telehealth services and is accepting new patients. Dr. Churukian is highly rated by her patients for her ability to explain conditions well and for her trustworthy care.
4. Dr. Michael S. Davis, MD
Dr. Michael S. Davis is a distinguished pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist based in Manteca, California. With over 41 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Davis has built a reputation for his expertise in treating a wide range of respiratory and sleep disorders. He received his medical degree from the Far Eastern University Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation in 1982 and completed his residency in internal medicine at New York Downtown Hospital. He further specialized with a fellowship in pulmonary disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Elmhurst).
Dr. Davis is board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, and sleep medicine. He is affiliated with Doctors Hospital of Manteca, where he provides comprehensive care for conditions such as obstructive lung disease, sleep apnea, asthma, and bronchitis. His practice is located at 200 Cottage Ave, Ste 203, Manteca, CA, where he offers both in-person and telehealth services.
Known for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Davis is highly regarded for his ability to explain conditions clearly and provide effective treatment plans. He is fluent in both English and Tagalog, which allows him to serve a diverse patient population. Dr. Davis is not currently accepting new patients, but his long-standing commitment to improving patient outcomes through personalized care and advanced medical practices makes him a standout in the field of sleep medicine.
5. Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, MD
Dr. Lourdes DelRosso is a renowned sleep medicine specialist and family medicine physician based in Fresno, California. She is a Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and the Medical Director of the UCSF-Fresno CCFMG Sleep Medicine Center. Dr. DelRosso has dedicated her career to advancing global sleep health, particularly in pediatric sleep medicine.
Dr. DelRosso’s educational background is extensive. She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami, completed a residency in family medicine at Kaiser Permanente through UC Irvine, and a sleep medicine fellowship at Louisiana State University. She also holds a Master’s degree in medical education from the University of Pennsylvania and the Valencia International University in Spain, and a PhD from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.
Her professional journey includes significant contributions to global health initiatives. Dr. DelRosso has been involved in relief efforts in Haiti, trained community health workers in the Dominican Republic, and led early intervention programs for children in California. She has also played a pivotal role in international sleep medicine conferences and is the co-chair of the World Sleep Day committee.
Dr. DelRosso’s research focuses on restless sleep and restless legs syndrome in children. She leads an international task force to establish diagnostic criteria for restless sleep disorder and has published extensively on the subject. Her work has significantly impacted the field of pediatric sleep disorders, particularly through her research on the role of iron deficiency in restless sleep disorder.
Dr. DelRosso is also an active member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the International Pediatric Sleep Association. She is the lead author of “Pediatric Sleep Pearls” and editor of “Sleep Neurology: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic and Clinical Aspects”.
6. Dr. Mark J. Buchfuhrer, MD
Dr. Mark J. Buchfuhrer is a highly respected pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist based in Downey, California. With over 40 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Buchfuhrer has made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of sleep disorders, particularly Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). He is currently affiliated with PIH Health Hospital-Downey and serves as the Medical Director of the Southern California Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) Support Group.
Dr. Buchfuhrer completed his medical education at the University of Ottawa School of Medicine in 1977, followed by a residency in internal medicine at the University of Toronto. He further specialized with a fellowship in pulmonary disease and critical care at UCLA Harbor Medical Center. He is board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, and sleep medicine.
Dr. Buchfuhrer has a robust clinical practice and is known for his expertise in treating conditions such as sleep apnea, asthma, and particularly RLS. He has developed a large outpatient RLS practice and has been actively involved in research and education on the disorder. He has authored several publications, including patient guides and handbooks for doctors on RLS, and maintains a dedicated website for RLS resources (www.rlshelp.org).
His practice is located at 11480 Brookshire Ave, Downey, CA, where he offers both in-person and telehealth services. Dr. Buchfuhrer is highly rated by his patients for his thoroughness, expertise, and compassionate care. He is known for his commitment to finding personalized solutions for his patients’ sleep disorders, making him a standout in the field of sleep medicine.
7. Dr. Craig Calloway, MD
Dr. Craig Calloway is a seasoned otolaryngologist and sleep medicine specialist based in Visalia, California. With over 45 years of experience, Dr. Calloway has dedicated his career to treating a wide range of sleep disorders and conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). He graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1978 and completed his residency in otolaryngology at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center.
Dr. Calloway is board-certified in otolaryngology and sleep medicine. He is affiliated with Kaweah Health Medical Center and serves as the Director of the Visalia Medical Clinic’s Sleep Disorders Center. His practice focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions such as sleep apnea, tinnitus, and other sleep-related issues.
Dr. Calloway’s practice is located at 5400 W Hillsdale Ave, Visalia, CA, where he offers telehealth services and is currently accepting new patients. He is known for his patient-centered approach, taking the time to fully explain conditions and treatment options to his patients. His long-standing commitment to patient care and his extensive experience in both otolaryngology and sleep medicine make him a highly regarded specialist in his field.
