Craigirita Ferguson, LCSW

Craigirita Ferguson, LCSW is a Sleep Medicine specialist practicing at her clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Sleep Medicine care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring a high standard of care in her commitment to preventive health. Her focus extends beyond immediate treatment to encompass the prevention of long-term health complications stemming from sleep disorders.

Dr. Craigirita LCSW's approach emphasizes collaboration and personalized care plans. Your general Sleep Medicine physician is your primary partner in preventing long-term health complications from sleep disorders, creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness through collaboration with pulmonologists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists. She serves all ages and is committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Patients should call (954) 673-7727 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Dr. Craigirita LCSW provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Craigirita 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. Craigirita 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. Craigirita 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:

• Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD): Since sleep disturbances are common in individuals with PDD, proactive management of these conditions is vital for improving overall well-being and preventing secondary health problems related to sleep deprivation.
• Dyslexia: Early identification of dyslexia through screening can significantly improve a child's learning outcomes and prevent future academic struggles.
• Residual ADHD: Addressing any remaining symptoms of ADHD can improve sleep quality and reduce the likelihood of developing sleep apnea or insomnia later in life, emphasizing the value of proactive care.
• Suicidal Ideation: Preventing suicide involves recognizing warning signs such as suicidal ideation and seeking support, reducing the risk of irreversible harm and promoting mental and physical health.
• Alcohol Withdrawal: Stopping alcohol use suddenly can be dangerous and disrupt your sleep, highlighting the importance of seeking medical help to manage withdrawal safely and prevent serious health issues.
• Panic Disorder Without Agorapobia: Regular sleep is essential for health, but panic attacks—even without a fear of crowds—can severely compromise it; proactive steps towards managing panic disorder are essential for preventive healthcare.
• Headache: Headaches are sometimes a symptom of insufficient sleep or poor sleep quality, impacting your daytime function; preventing headaches can improve your sleep and your overall health.

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. Craigirita LCSW offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Medication Management: Partner with your doctor to use medication management as part of a holistic approach to treating sleep disorders and achieving restful sleep.
• Ketamine Infusions: For some individuals with severe treatment-resistant depression, ketamine infusions offer a potential avenue to improve sleep and reduce the risk of long-term health issues associated with poor sleep.
• Snoring Therapy: Improve your sleep quality and reduce health risks by seeking snoring therapy. It assesses for sleep disorders, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of long-term complications.
• Bronchoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better sleep, a bronchoscopy helps identify blockages or irregularities in your lungs that could be contributing to sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
• Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): An MSLT is a short, safe test that screens for sleep disorders affecting your daytime alertness, enabling proactive intervention to prevent accidents and improve your overall well-being.
• Mindfulness Meditation: Enhance your sleep hygiene and potentially prevent sleep disorders by incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine.
• Marital Therapy: Strengthen your relationship and improve your sleep by proactively addressing relationship issues that might be affecting your rest.

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. Craigirita 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:

• By proactively addressing sleep issues, a family found improved overall well-being and significantly reduced potential secondary health problems associated with sleep deprivation, allowing them to focus on their child's development.
• A family was relieved to learn about early dyslexia screening opportunities, which helped them proactively address potential learning challenges and foster a supportive educational environment. This early identification allowed for personalized interventions, empowering the child to thrive academically.

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. Craigirita LCSW:

What is a Sleep Medicine specialist?

A sleep medicine specialist is a board-certified doctor who has undergone specialized training to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. They often have backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, providing a unique perspective on finding 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. Fortunately, treatment is a critical step in preventing these serious long-term complications.

What happens during a sleep study (polysomnogram)?

During a sleep study, we monitor your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements overnight. This non-invasive test provides a complete picture of your sleep patterns, acting as the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders and creating an effective prevention plan.

My partner says I act out my dreams. Should I be concerned?

It's understandable to be concerned about acting out dreams. This could be a sign of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), which sometimes precedes other neurological conditions. A consultation with Dr. Craigirita LCSW is important to evaluate your situation and discuss available treatments to manage symptoms and ensure your safety during sleep.

What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

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

Can lifestyle changes like weight loss help sleep apnea?

Yes, significantly. Excess weight can narrow the airway, and for many patients, even a moderate amount of weight loss can dramatically reduce or even eliminate sleep apnea, preventing the need for other therapies.

What is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)?

The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a daytime test, often performed after an overnight sleep study. It involves a series of scheduled naps to objectively measure how quickly you fall asleep in quiet situations. This test is a primary tool for diagnosing conditions such as narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

What is the difference between a home sleep apnea test and an in-lab study?

A home sleep apnea test is a simpler screening tool for straightforward obstructive sleep apnea. An in-lab study is a more comprehensive test needed for complex cases or to diagnose other sleep disorders like narcolepsy or parasomnias.

2630 W Broward Blvd Ste 203-1235
Fort Lauderdale FL 33312
Phone: (954) 673-7727

Craigirita Ferguson, 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): 1013762012

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. Craigirita 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.