Dr. Carmela Gonzales, MD

Dr. Carmela Gonzales, MD is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a valued partner in preventive health at her clinic in Naples, FL. 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 624-8250 to schedule.

Dr. Carmela Gonzales, MD is a sleep medicine internist in Naples, FL, affiliated with Aurora Medical Center Sheboygan County. She earned her medical degree from Afable College Of Medicine And Surgery and is Board Certified in Neurology and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Carmela Gonzales provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Narcolepsy: Preventing the long-term health effects of narcolepsy, such as mood disorders and impaired cognitive function, starts with recognizing its symptoms and seeking timely medical attention.
• Sleep Apnea: Managing sleep apnea proactively through lifestyle changes and/or medical intervention significantly reduces your risk of developing hypertension, heart failure, and other life-threatening conditions.
• Insomnia: Insomnia, the struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, can be addressed early to prevent long-term health problems like anxiety, depression, and weakened immunity.
• Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders: Excessive alcohol use can trigger or worsen mental health issues, highlighting the importance of responsible drinking to protect your mental wellbeing and prevent long-term complications.
• Dyslexia: Dyslexia management strategies like literacy interventions can reduce the risk of learning difficulties and improve overall academic success.
• Memory Loss: Don't dismiss memory problems—they might be a warning sign of a sleep disorder. Getting a sleep study can help identify and treat the root cause before it impacts your memory further.
• Nicotine Addiction: Quitting nicotine addiction is crucial for preventing sleep disorders like sleep apnea and improving overall sleep quality, reducing your risk of serious health problems.

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

• 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.
• Depression Treatment: Take charge of your mental well-being: Depression treatment helps identify and address depressive symptoms, improving your overall health and reducing the risk of serious complications.
• Grief Therapy: Grief therapy can help you process difficult emotions and improve your sleep, which is essential for overall health and well-being.
• Neuropsychological Testing: Neuropsychological testing is a valuable tool for assessing how sleep problems might be impacting your thinking, concentration, and memory, allowing you to address these issues before they become major concerns.
• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Taking a proactive step towards better sleep, this screening helps identify if alcohol or substance use is affecting your sleep quality and overall health.
• Wada Test: This test helps doctors determine which side of your brain is dominant for language, assisting in planning for brain surgeries that prevent language problems post-operation.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: Taking proactive steps to address substance abuse can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall health, as substance use often interferes with sleep patterns and can worsen existing sleep disorders.

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. Carmela Gonzales 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 symptoms of potential narcolepsy and promptly seeking guidance from a sleep medicine specialist allowed a patient to develop a proactive management plan, reducing the risk of long-term health effects like mood disorders.
• By proactively addressing potential sleep apnea through lifestyle changes and consistent follow-up, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing serious health issues, ensuring a healthier future.

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. Carmela Gonzales:

What is a Sleep Medicine specialist?

A sleep medicine specialist is a board-certified doctor who has completed extra 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 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, or polysomnogram, we monitor your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements overnight. This non-invasive test provides a complete picture of your sleep patterns. It's the gold standard for accurately diagnosing sleep disorders, enabling us to create a personalized prevention plan.

What is the connection between depression/anxiety and sleep?

Depression and anxiety can significantly disrupt sleep, and conversely, poor sleep can worsen symptoms of these conditions. Our practice recognizes this strong bidirectional link and provides comprehensive care, treating both the sleep disorder and mood disorder together to prevent a negative cycle.

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 conditions. This test is a key tool for diagnosing narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

Why would a Neurologist be involved in my sleep care?

Neurologists, like Dr. Gonzales, specialize in the brain and nervous system. They are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat sleep disorders stemming from the brain's control centers, including narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias.

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 an oral appliance for sleep apnea?

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device, similar to a mouthguard, created by a specially trained dentist. It gently shifts the lower jaw forward, keeping the airway open during sleep. This can be a comfortable and portable alternative to CPAP for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.

1726 Medical Blvd Ste 101
Naples FL 34110
Phone: (239) 624-8250

Dr. Carmela Gonzales, 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): 1699904623

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. Carmela Gonzales 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.