Dr. Elizabeth Hritz, PHD

Dr. Elizabeth Hritz, PhD is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Orlando, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health on weprevent.org. Her focus extends beyond treating sleep disorders; she actively works to prevent long-term health complications 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 committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Hritz’s approach is rooted in her 12 years of experience, including work in Ohio. She has a proven track record of helping clients address sleep disorders, cultivate healthy behaviors, and build self-esteem and confidence. She also has experience working with concentration, memory, and focus, including ADHD. Recognizing the courage it takes to seek a more fulfilling and happier life, Dr. Hritz prioritizes treating every patient with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, tailoring her dialog and treatment plan to meet individual needs. To confirm Dr. Hritz's availability for new patients, please call (407) 629-1599. Dr. Elizabeth PHD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Drug-Induced Mental Disorders: Many mental health issues can be triggered or worsened by medications; proactive communication with your doctor, including reporting any side effects, can prevent these complications from arising.
• Neurosis: Neurosis, characterized by anxiety and emotional distress, can disrupt sleep patterns and worsen existing sleep disorders, highlighting the importance of proactive mental health management for better sleep and overall well-being.
• Motor Skills Disorders: Proactive assessment of motor skills can help detect underlying sleep disturbances, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing long-term consequences.
• Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorders: If anxiety is linked to substance use, getting help early is essential to prevent this from negatively impacting your sleep quality and overall well-being, as chronic anxiety can be debilitating.
• Nervous Breakdown: A 'nervous breakdown' isn't a medical term, but it describes overwhelming stress that can severely disrupt sleep, highlighting the need for proactive stress management techniques to prevent long-term sleep problems and associated health risks.
• Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Managing schizotypal personality disorder effectively is important for preventing further mental health issues that can negatively impact sleep quality and overall well-being.
• Secondary Restless Leg Syndrome: If your restless legs are a symptom of another condition, proactive management of that condition can significantly reduce the severity of your restless legs and improve your long-term well-being.

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

• Psychosomatic Medicine Services: Improve your sleep and well-being by understanding the relationship between your mental health and sleep disturbances through a comprehensive assessment.
• Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy: Improve your sleep hygiene and overall health by using ABA therapy to identify and correct behaviors that may be contributing to your sleep difficulties.
• Snoring Prevention: Take control of your sleep health by learning how to prevent snoring and potentially identify underlying sleep disorders.
• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: This brief screening helps determine if alcohol or substance use is interfering with your sleep and provides personalized guidance to improve your sleep hygiene and overall well-being.
• Suboxone® Treatment: Addressing opioid addiction through Suboxone® treatment can alleviate symptoms that interfere with sleep, promoting improved rest and recovery.
• Nightguard: Improve your sleep quality and reduce daytime fatigue by using a nightguard; it's a proactive step to improve your sleep-related breathing disorders.
• Eating Management: Optimize your sleep by adopting healthy eating patterns; this can help prevent weight gain, a risk factor for sleep apnea.

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. Elizabeth PHD 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 discussing potential medication side effects with their sleep specialist, a patient identified and addressed subtle changes in mood, reducing the risk of developing a drug-induced mental health concern. This open communication fostered a proactive approach to overall well-being.
• Recognizing early warning signs of anxiety, a patient proactively developed coping mechanisms, reducing emotional distress and significantly improving their sleep quality. This proactive approach fostered a sense of calm and empowerment in managing their well-being.

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. Elizabeth PHD:

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. 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, serving as the gold standard for accurately diagnosing sleep disorders and creating a personalized prevention plan.

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 a primary tool for diagnosing conditions like narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

Are there alternatives to CPAP for treating sleep apnea?

Yes, there are important alternatives to CPAP, including custom-made oral appliances from a dentist to reposition the jaw, and surgical options from an ENT to address anatomical blockages. These can be key components of a personalized treatment plan.

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

We understand your concern about acting out your dreams. This could be a sign of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), which, while often treatable, sometimes indicates potential neurological conditions. A consultation with Dr. Elizabeth PHD is important to evaluate this and ensure your safety during sleep. Effective treatments are available to manage RBD symptoms.

Can my child have sleep apnea?

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

Why would a Neurologist be involved in my sleep care?

Neurologists, like Dr. Elizabeth PHD, specialize in the brain and nervous system. They diagnose and treat sleep disorders that originate in the brain's control centers, such as narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias. This expertise ensures comprehensive care for these conditions.

5201 Raymond St
Orlando FL 32803
Phone: (407) 629-1599

Dr. Elizabeth Hritz, PHD 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): 1487993879

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. Elizabeth PHD 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.