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205-599-1020

info@sleepalabama.com

205-599-1020

info@sleepalabama.com

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Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama

Doctors & Staff

Meet the

Sleep Medicine Experts Dedicated to Your Care

Our doctors and staff are a hardworking team dedicated to serving your needs and represent a history of sleep medicine research and practice that spans nearly 40 years. We deliver exceptional patient care and are focused on helping you attain proper sleep and rest. From our board-certified physicians to our certified sleep technologists, every member of our team is committed to providing you with the highest quality care and support throughout your sleep health journey.

Meet Your Team

Our Physicians

Robert C. Doekel, Jr., M.D.

Medical Director

Learn about Dr. Doekel
Along with G. Vernon Pegram, Ph.D., Dr. Doekel founded the first accredited sleep center in Alabama, which was one of the first dozen clinical sleep centers in the entire United States. Part of his responsibilities is to see that our center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He has also participated in the accreditation of other sleep centers in Alabama and throughout the United States.

Dr. Doekel is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Sleep Medicine. He received a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Kentucky University, and his M.D. from the University of Louisville. He served a residency in Internal Medicine at University of Alabama at Birmingham as well as served a Pulmonary fellowship at UAB and the University of Colorado Cardiopulmonary Research Laboratory.

Dr. Doekel is a licensed M.D. and a Diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM), Certified in 1978.

Jessica Wright, RN, MSN, CRNP

Nurse Practitioner

About Jessica
Jessica Wright is an Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner licensed by the Alabama Board of Nursing and certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Auburn University in 2008. Shortly after, She completed her Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2009. While working as a registered nurse at UAB, Jessica completed her master’s degree nursing (2011).

In addition to her clinical experience, Jessica has a diverse background as a nurse practitioner. Prior to joining the Sleep Disorders Center, she worked in primary/urgent care where she treated a myriad of acute and chronic medical conditions. She also has experience with patients who suffer from chronic pain.

Jessica focuses on building trusting relationships and effective communication to better educate her patients on their health conditions. She hopes educating patients will empower them to live healthier lives believing that improvement in function and quality of life are the best outcome measures when treating patients with chronic disease. She recognizes the significance of untreated medical conditions and the impact it can have on quality of life. Jessica hopes to restore her patients’ faith in healthcare through a comprehensive and individualized approach with each patient.

Jessica enjoys spending her spare time with her husband, their two children and dog. Her hobbies include traveling, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and exercising.

Casey J. Jones, RN, CRNP, FNP-C

Family Nurse Practitioner

About Casey
Casey is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a Doctor of Nursing Practice student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where she earned her master’s degree. With extensive experience in cardiovascular conditions—including heart attacks, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure—she brings a wealth of expertise to sleep medicine, focusing on sleep-related breathing disorders.

Casey is committed to empowering patients with knowledge about their conditions, whether it’s insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or other sleep issues. Her approach creates a supportive environment that promotes open communication and collaboration.

Outside of her clinical work, Casey enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring the great outdoors, playing softball, deer hunting, and traveling to new and exciting destinations. Her deep spiritual faith in Christ is the foundation of her life, and she finds great joy in serving her community and mentoring individuals in their battle against addiction.

Our Support Staff

Sleep Technologists

When you arrive at our sleep center, you’ll be greeted by one of our certified Polysomnographic Technologists (Sleep Techs). These skilled professionals are your guides throughout the entire sleep study process, checking you in, showing you to your private room, explaining what to expect during your study night, and taking your vital signs before the study begins. Your technologist prepares you physically for your study by attaching electrodes that monitor your heart, breathing, oxygen levels, leg movements, facial movements, and brain waves—all essential for determining factors affecting your sleep quality. Throughout the night, they monitor your brain wave activity and breathing patterns from their station, ready to assist you with anything you might need. By morning, your technologist has gathered comprehensive data for your doctor to review, providing detailed reports about your sleep patterns and any issues observed during the study.

CPAP Specialists

Our CPAP specialists are here specifically to support patients who have been prescribed CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy following their sleep study. These highly trained professionals provide comprehensive instruction on setting up and using your CPAP machine, proper mask fitting for comfort, and detailed training on cleaning and maintaining your equipment. Our CPAP team remains available to assist with any problems or needs that may arise during your CPAP therapy, ensuring you receive the best quality of care for long-term treatment success. They understand that proper equipment maintenance is crucial—CPAP masks, headgear, and hoses should be replaced every 6 months to maintain optimal therapy effectiveness.

Research Staff

Our research staff is actively involved in sleep research and the development of new sleep-related therapies and treatments. We conduct clinical trials to help determine the effectiveness of new drugs and treatments, offering our patients access to cutting-edge therapies. If you’re interested in our research opportunities, read more information and reach out here.

Office & Administrative Staff

Our friendly office staff is always ready to provide assistance with any questions you may have about scheduling, insurance, billing, privacy, or general inquiries about our services. They’re prepared to direct your calls to the most relevant department and can connect you with our CPAP staff for equipment needs or refitting. Our dedicated billing staff will gladly answer questions about your account or insurance coverage, ensuring your insurance is processed correctly. They can also provide information about pending procedures or CPAP purchases, making the administrative side of your care as smooth as possible.

questions about
Doctors & Staff

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do your sleep technologists have?
Our sleep technologists are certified Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT) with specialized training in sleep medicine. They follow strict protocols and are experienced in monitoring all aspects of sleep studies.
Will I see the same doctor before and after my sleep study?
Yes, this is one of our key differentiators. Your physician will meet with you both before your sleep study to discuss your concerns and after to review results and create your treatment plan.
How experienced are your physicians in sleep medicine?
Our medical team has over 60 years of combined experience in sleep medicine. Dr. Doekel has been practicing sleep medicine for more than 30 years, and our center has nearly 40 years of history in the field.
Do you have staff available for research studies?

Yes, if you’re interest in information about current clinical trials, please fill out the form here.

How do I contact the right department for my needs?
Our office staff will direct your call to the appropriate department, whether you need scheduling, billing assistance, CPAP support, or research information. Simply call our main number and they’ll connect you with the right team member.
Are your staff members continuing their education in sleep medicine?
Absolutely. As an AASM-accredited facility, our staff is required to continually update their knowledge through professional activities and Continuing Medical Education credits to maintain the highest standards of care.

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