Brittany Garrod, LCSW

Brittany Garrod, LCSW is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Sleep Medicine care. She practices at her clinic in Port Charlotte, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Brittany LCSW is committed to preventing long-term health complications from sleep disorders by creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing overall wellness through collaboration with pulmonologists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (863) 990-7189 to schedule. Born and raised in Florida, Dr. Brittany LCSW earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Florida Gulf Coast University. During graduate school, she conducted research in Ghana, sharing her findings at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) conference. Recognized for her work, she was also nominated and elected Social Work Student of the Year by her peers and professors. Dr. Brittany LCSW's career has largely focused on inpatient care, providing support to patients of all ages. Her approach is solution-focused, empowering patients to utilize their inner strengths in overcoming challenges. She also employs a cognitive-based approach, helping patients modify thought patterns for improved mental well-being. Dr. Brittany LCSW provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Brittany LCSW is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Brittany LCSW can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Brittany LCSW provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Managing chronic depression is crucial for your overall well-being, as untreated depression often disrupts sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and impacting your daily life; proactive care can help you sleep better and improve your health.
• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Preventing serious health complications, such as sleep apnea, requires addressing problematic alcohol use as it directly contributes to sleep disturbances and other health issues.
• Attachment Disorders: Attachment disorders in children can significantly impact their sleep patterns and overall well-being, so early intervention and support are crucial for preventing long-term sleep problems and emotional distress.
• Central Alveolar Hypoventilation Syndrome: Managing central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome involves carefully monitoring your breathing patterns and possibly using respiratory support to avoid dangerous drops in blood oxygen levels and prevent long-term complications.
• Chronic Mental Disorders: Chronic mental health issues can worsen sleep disorders and vice versa, creating a vicious cycle. Preventive care involves proactively managing these conditions to avoid the cascading effects on both mental and physical health.
• Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder: Managing a circadian rhythm sleep disorder is key to preventing fatigue, mood swings, and other problems that can affect your daily life and increase your risk of chronic diseases.
• Dissociative, Conversion, and Factitious Disorders: Proactive management of dissociative, conversion, and factitious disorders is crucial for preventing the escalation of symptoms that could lead to chronic insomnia and other sleep disturbances.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Brittany LCSW offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Memory Retraining: Take charge of your memory by proactively identifying and addressing potential cognitive decline linked to sleep disorders.
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): By focusing on solutions, SFBT can help you achieve better sleep faster, preventing the long-term health risks of sleep disorders.
• Respiratory Management: Proactive respiratory management helps identify potential breathing problems during sleep, preventing serious health risks like heart disease and stroke.
• Grief Therapy: Prioritizing grief therapy can lead to improved sleep patterns and a reduced risk of long-term health complications related to sleep deprivation.
• Spirometry: Take a proactive step towards better breathing by scheduling spirometry; this non-invasive test can help identify and treat conditions such as asthma and COPD before they worsen.
• Quantitative Sensory Test (QST): To better understand and manage potential sleep disturbances, a Quantitative Sensory Test (QST) helps assess your body's sensitivity to various stimuli, leading to more effective treatment.
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): EFT is a simple technique you can learn to tap into your body's energy meridians, potentially easing the emotional distress that can disrupt your sleep.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Sleep Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Brittany LCSW is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• Recognizing early warning signs of chronic depression and developing a proactive sleep management plan empowered a patient to maintain a positive outlook and prevent further disruptions to their daily life. This proactive approach fostered a sense of control and well-being, promoting better sleep and overall health.
• By understanding the link between alcohol use and sleep, a patient proactively addressed potential sleep apnea risks, gaining valuable insights into maintaining overall well-being. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and empowered them to make healthier choices.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Sleep Medicine care with Dr. Brittany LCSW:

What is a Sleep Medicine specialist?

A sleep medicine specialist is a board-certified doctor who has specialized training in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Often coming from backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, they bring a unique perspective to identifying the root cause of your sleep problems.

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and why is it a health risk?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to a blocked airway. Untreated OSA is a major risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Treatment is a critical step in preventing these serious long-term complications.

What happens during a sleep study (polysomnogram)?

A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a safe, non-invasive overnight test that monitors your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements to understand your sleep patterns. It's the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders, allowing us to create a personalized prevention plan.

Can my child have sleep apnea?

Yes, sleep apnea in children is common, often due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Prompt diagnosis is crucial, as untreated sleep apnea can impact growth, learning, and behavior. Treatment is a vital step in preventing these developmental issues.

What is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)?

The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a daytime test, often following an overnight sleep study. It involves a series of scheduled naps to objectively measure how quickly you fall asleep in quiet environments. This test is primarily used to diagnose narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

How does an Otolaryngologist (ENT) help with sleep problems?

An otolaryngologist (ENT) is a surgeon who specializes in the ear, nose, and throat. They can identify and surgically correct physical blockages, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, that contribute to snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, sometimes providing a permanent solution.

What is CPAP therapy and how does it work?

CPAP therapy is a common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. It uses a machine to deliver gentle, constant air pressure through a mask, keeping your airway open during sleep. This prevents breathing pauses, restoring healthy sleep and protecting your heart.

What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sensory disorder causing an overwhelming, uncomfortable urge to move the legs, often worse in the evening or night. It's not just a muscle cramp, but a specific sensation that can significantly disrupt sleep. Diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing severe sleep disruption and improving quality of life.

1777 Tamiami Trl Ste 201
Port Charlotte FL 33948
Phone: (863) 990-7189

Brittany Garrod, LCSW is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1699125963

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Sleep Medicine like Dr. Brittany LCSW are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your sleep medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.