Dr. Gregory Smull, MD

Dr. Gregory Smull, MD is a Sleep Medicine specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is a key partner in preventive health, emphasizing the importance of addressing sleep disorders early to prevent long-term health complications. 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. Please call (813) 879-3699 to schedule.

Dr. Gregory Smull, MD is a cardiovascular & pulmonary disease specialist with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. A graduate of Temple University (1996), he earned his medical degree from the esteemed institution. Further specializing in Sleep Medicine, he completed his fellowship training at Hahnemann Hospital and Hahnemann University Hospital (2002). He is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Affiliated with St. Joseph's Hospital, he is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Smull's approach to quality care emphasizes thoroughness, believing that truly understanding patient needs requires ample time for open communication. He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Gregory Smull 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. Gregory Smull 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. Gregory Smull 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.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis, if left untreated, can lead to sleep disturbances and worsen conditions like sleep apnea, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and management for overall health.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): If you have COPD, working closely with your doctor to manage it effectively can lessen its impact on your sleep and improve your overall well-being.
• Insomnia: Preventing the negative consequences of insomnia, such as impaired cognitive function and increased risk of accidents, starts with proactive management strategies.
• Sleep Apnea: Catching sleep apnea early and taking appropriate action—whether it's lifestyle adjustments or medical treatment—can prevent or delay the onset of many serious health issues, safeguarding your future.
• Sleep Disorders: Addressing sleep disorders proactively through lifestyle changes and medical interventions can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Managing a traumatic brain injury effectively can help reduce the severity and frequency of sleep disturbances and improve sleep quality.
• Wheezing: Catching wheezing early is key to preventing more serious sleep problems. It could indicate a condition needing treatment to ensure you get restful, restorative sleep.

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

• Bronchoscopy: For a thorough evaluation of your sleep problems, a bronchoscopy can be used to pinpoint any airway issues that may be responsible for snoring, sleep apnea, or other sleep disorders.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Proactively manage your sleep apnea with CPAP therapy—a simple yet effective treatment that can significantly improve your sleep quality, energy levels, and overall well-being.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services: Improve your sleep by strengthening your lungs; pulmonary rehabilitation helps diagnose and treat lung conditions that might be disrupting your rest.
• Respiratory Management: Take charge of your respiratory health: screenings can detect sleep apnea or other breathing disorders early, leading to timely treatment and improved sleep quality.
• Sleep Study: Don't let sleep problems go unchecked – a sleep study can pinpoint the root cause of your sleep disturbances, preventing potential health risks and improving your daytime energy.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Certain psychiatric medications may be used to treat specific sleep disorders or improve sleep quality for individuals facing mental health concerns that disrupt their sleep cycle.
• Family Psychotherapy: As a proactive measure, consider family psychotherapy to improve communication and resolve conflicts, which often contribute to sleep disturbances in family members.

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. Gregory Smull 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 consistently following a proactive medication and lifestyle plan, a patient experienced fewer nighttime awakenings and improved overall sleep quality, significantly enhancing their daily life.
• By proactively addressing potential sleep-related sinusitis triggers, a patient discovered a simple, effective plan for maintaining healthy sinus function and preventing future complications. This proactive approach ensured a more restful sleep and overall 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. Gregory Smull:

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. They often come from backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, bringing 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)?

A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a safe, non-invasive overnight test that monitors your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements. It provides a comprehensive picture of your sleep patterns, serving as the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders and creating a personalized prevention plan.

What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device, similar to a mouthguard, made 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 therapy for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

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

Can my child have sleep apnea?

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

Are there alternatives to CPAP for treating sleep apnea?

Yes, there are alternatives to CPAP, such as custom-made oral appliances to reposition the jaw, or surgical options to address anatomical blockages. These are important options to consider in a personalized treatment plan.

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 primarily used to diagnose narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

4129 N Armenia Ave Ste B
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 879-3699

Dr. Gregory Smull, 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): 1093780520

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. Gregory Smull 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.