Dr. Abhay Sharma, MD

Dr. Abhay Sharma, MD is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Recognizing that sleep disorders can contribute to a range of long-term health issues, Dr. Sharma emphasizes prevention. 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. He serves all ages. Please call (813) 821-8038 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Abhay Sharma, MD is a sleep medicine internist in Tampa, FL, affiliated with Tampa General Hospital. He is accepting telehealth appointments. His commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, combined with his expertise in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Sleep Medicine, positions him as a trusted resource for comprehensive care. He is Board Certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, and Board Certified in Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Sharma strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health, fostering a partnership built on trust and shared understanding. Dr. Abhay Sharma provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Primary Central Sleep Apnea: Preventing long-term health risks associated with primary central sleep apnea starts with understanding its impact on your breathing while you sleep; timely medical attention can help manage this condition and improve your overall health.
• Secondary Restless Leg Syndrome: Secondary restless legs syndrome develops due to another health issue, and addressing the underlying condition can often alleviate your restless legs and improve your overall sleep quality.
• Acquired Brain Injuries: Acquired brain injuries can have profound and lasting effects on sleep, so seeking prompt medical attention after a head injury is essential for preventing long-term sleep complications.
• Depression: Since depression is closely linked to sleep disorders, seeking early treatment can improve your sleep quality, reduce daytime fatigue, and ultimately safeguard your long-term health.
• Fear: Fear and anxiety can significantly disrupt sleep, making it harder to get restorative rest and increasing your risk of developing sleep disorders like insomnia.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type: By addressing inattentive-type ADHD, we can improve daytime functioning, reducing stress and anxiety that often interfere with sleep and contribute to sleep-related problems in the long run.
• Hydrocephalus: Because hydrocephalus can lead to cognitive impairment affecting daily routines, including sleep, proactive monitoring for symptoms and early intervention are crucial for preventing complications.

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

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Take a proactive step towards better health by using CPAP; it's a treatment for sleep apnea that can help reduce daytime sleepiness and improve your cardiovascular health.
• Diagnostic Nasal and Sinus Endoscopy: To ensure healthy breathing during sleep, a nasal and sinus endoscopy helps identify and diagnose nasal and sinus problems that could lead to sleep apnea or other sleep-related breathing difficulties.
• Nasal Septum Surgery (Septoplasty): By straightening your nasal septum, a septoplasty can improve airflow, making it easier to breathe at night and potentially preventing sleep disturbances.
• Sleep Study: Take a proactive step towards better health with a sleep study: it's a diagnostic tool that screens for hidden sleep problems that could impact your overall well-being.
• 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.
• Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP): Protecting your sleep involves understanding your nervous system. An SSEP test helps reveal any problems with nerve signal transmission that might be contributing to your sleep problems.
• Polysomnography With CPAP Titration: Invest in your long-term health with a sleep study and CPAP titration; this comprehensive assessment helps diagnose sleep apnea, find the right CPAP pressure, and prevent its damaging effects.

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. Abhay Sharma 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 understanding the impact of primary central sleep apnea on their breathing, a patient proactively managed their condition, reducing the risk of long-term health problems and enjoying greater peace of mind.
• By addressing an underlying thyroid condition, a patient significantly reduced their restless leg symptoms, improving their sleep quality and overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy more restful nights and a greater sense of well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Abhay Sharma:

What is a Sleep Medicine specialist?

A sleep medicine specialist is a board-certified doctor who has specialized training to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Often trained in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, they bring a unique perspective to 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. 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, serving as the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders and creating a personalized prevention plan.

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 used for complex cases or to diagnose other sleep disorders like narcolepsy or parasomnias.

What is a circadian rhythm disorder?

Circadian rhythm disorders occur when your body's internal 24-hour clock is misaligned with the external environment, such as with delayed sleep phase syndrome. A sleep specialist can help reset this clock through strategies like light therapy and timed melatonin administration.

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 situations. This test is primarily used to diagnose narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

Can my child have sleep apnea?

Yes, sleep apnea in children is common, often due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Early diagnosis is crucial, as untreated sleep apnea can impact growth, learning, and behavior. Fortunately, treatment is key in preventing these developmental issues.

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

An ENT, or otolaryngologist, is a surgeon specializing in the ear, nose, and throat. They can identify and surgically correct physical blockages, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, which can cause snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Sometimes, this surgery can provide a permanent solution.

13330 Usf Laurel Dr
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 821-8038

Dr. Abhay Sharma, MD 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): 1518320381

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. Abhay Sharma 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.