Dr. Christopher Mendello, MD

Dr. Christopher Mendello, MD is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Naples, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 208-0381 to schedule.

Dr. Christopher Mendello, MD is a sleep medicine internist in Naples, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Sleep Apnea. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a dedication to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Mendello earned his medical degree from University Of Toledo College Of Medicine And Life Sciences in 1997, followed by an internship at Med College Of Ohio At Toledo (1998). He then pursued fellowship training in Detroit Medical Center (2003), deepening his expertise in Sleep Medicine. He is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Naples Community Hospital and Physicians Regional Medical Center Pine Ridge, and is accepting new patients. Dr. Mendello provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Asthma: Managing your asthma effectively through medication and lifestyle changes can prevent sleep disruptions and improve your overall well-being.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Protecting your lungs through preventive measures like avoiding smoking and managing respiratory infections can help prevent COPD, which can significantly affect your sleep quality and overall health.
• 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.
• Narcolepsy: Don't let excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks control your life – narcolepsy is manageable with the right care, preventing potential accidents and long-term health problems.
• Primary Central Sleep Apnea: Primary central sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where your brain doesn't properly signal your breathing muscles, leading to pauses in breathing during sleep; early diagnosis and treatment can prevent heart problems and other health issues.
• Primary Insomnia: Primary insomnia means you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and it's not caused by another medical condition, making early intervention key to preventing long-term health problems like anxiety and depression.
• Psychophysiologic Insomnia: Psychophysiologic insomnia means your worries and anxieties about sleep are making it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, so addressing these anxieties early can prevent long-term sleep problems and improve your overall health.
• Sleep Apnea: Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious long-term health problems, so identifying and addressing it early is vital for your overall well-being and to prevent future health complications.
• Sleep Disorders: Untreated sleep disorders can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes, so early detection and management are crucial for your long-term well-being.
• Wheezing: Wheezing, a whistling sound during breathing, can be a sign of underlying respiratory issues that may disrupt your sleep and worsen over time if left unaddressed, highlighting the importance of early medical evaluation for preventive care.

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

• Bronchoscopy: As part of a comprehensive sleep health assessment, a bronchoscopy might be recommended to rule out lung issues impacting your breathing and sleep quality.
• Pulmonary Function Test: To ensure you're breathing easily at night, a pulmonary function test measures your lung strength and function, helping detect early signs of conditions like sleep apnea.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services: Pulmonary rehabilitation helps screen for underlying lung conditions that may contribute to sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, allowing for early intervention.
• Respiratory Management: Ensure your airways are clear and functioning properly through respiratory assessment; early detection of sleep-related breathing issues can significantly improve your overall well-being.
• Sleep Study: Invest in your health with a sleep study; this comprehensive assessment helps identify and address sleep disorders, contributing to better health outcomes and increased longevity.
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a self-help method that may help manage stress and anxiety, which can contribute to insomnia and other sleep problems.
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): SFBT is a type of therapy that can help you pinpoint and address the specific issues keeping you from getting a good night's rest, improving your overall health.

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. Christopher Mendello 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 their asthma triggers and following a personalized management plan, a patient experienced fewer nighttime awakenings and enjoyed improved sleep quality, fostering a healthier and more active lifestyle.
• By proactively managing respiratory health and avoiding smoking, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing COPD, ensuring better sleep and overall well-being. This proactive approach provided peace of mind knowing they were safeguarding their lung health.

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. Christopher Mendello:

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 identify 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 narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition where the brain struggles to regulate sleep-wake cycles, often leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. While there's no cure, a sleep specialist can develop a management plan, including medication and lifestyle strategies, to help minimize symptoms and improve quality of life.

Can my child have sleep apnea?

Yes, sleep apnea in children is common, often due to large tonsils and adenoids. Prompt diagnosis is crucial, as untreated sleep apnea can impact a child's growth, learning, and behavior. Fortunately, treatment is a key step in preventing these developmental issues.

What is the connection between depression/anxiety and sleep?

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

Why would a Neurologist be involved in my sleep care?

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

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.

10661 Airport Pulling Rd Ste 10
Naples FL 34109
Phone: (239) 208-0381

Dr. Christopher Mendello, 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): 1750322384

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. Christopher Mendello 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.