Dr. Janet Lam, MD

Dr. Janet Lam, MD is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in preventive health, focusing on the crucial role sleep plays in overall well-being. 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 committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Lam is a sleep medicine internist in Jacksonville, FL, affiliated with Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and The Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is accepting telehealth appointments. She earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia Campus, and is Board Certified in Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology, as well as Board Certified in Sleep Medicine, both by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. To confirm whether she is currently accepting new patients, please call (904) 697-3600. While she provides consultations primarily in English, her commitment to her patients extends to providing the highest quality care in a supportive and informative manner.

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

• Acute Insomnia: Experiencing a few nights of trouble sleeping? Addressing acute insomnia early can help you avoid developing long-term sleep problems and their associated health risks.
• Anxiety: Because anxiety significantly impacts sleep quality, addressing it through therapy or other means can help prevent long-term health complications stemming from sleep deprivation.
• Tension Headache: By managing tension headaches effectively, you can avoid the sleep disturbances and fatigue that can worsen your overall health.
• 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.
• Conduct Disorder: Because conduct disorder can affect sleep and development, early intervention strategies can promote healthier sleep patterns, improving overall physical and mental health long-term.
• Cerebral Palsy: While not a sleep disorder, cerebral palsy's impact on motor function and muscle tone can disrupt sleep. Early intervention and ongoing care are key to managing sleep problems and ensuring optimal development.
• Seizure Disorders: Proper diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders are vital to minimizing the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy, a neurological disorder causing seizures, can disrupt sleep and worsen if left untreated, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and management for better sleep health and overall well-being.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Managing ADHD and ADD symptoms is crucial for improving sleep quality, which helps reduce the risk of chronic health problems linked to sleep deprivation.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Preventing traumatic brain injuries through safety measures helps safeguard your sleep health and overall well-being.
• 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.
• Restless Leg Syndrome: Untreated Restless Legs Syndrome can lead to serious health consequences, making early identification and treatment vital for maintaining good health and preventing future 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. Janet Lam offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test: As part of your journey to improved sleep, consider a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test to screen for potential hearing-related sleep disorders and get timely treatment.
• Evoked Potential Test: An evoked potential test helps your doctor check your brain's response to different stimuli, aiding in the early detection of neurological conditions that might affect your sleep.
• Home Sleep Study: Take charge of your health by undergoing a home sleep study to detect potential sleep disorders like apnea or insomnia early, preventing serious health risks down the line.
• ImPACT Testing: Take a proactive step towards better sleep and overall health by undergoing ImPACT testing, a comprehensive assessment that helps identify potential brain injuries and their impact on sleep.
• Memory Evaluation: A memory evaluation helps us detect early signs of cognitive decline, often linked to untreated sleep disorders, so you can get the right support and improve your overall well-being.
• Quantitative Sensory Test (QST): By taking a QST, you're actively participating in your health journey, enabling your doctor to pinpoint nerve sensitivities that might be contributing to sleep disorders and initiate timely interventions.
• 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.
• Wada Test: As a preventative measure before certain brain surgeries, the Wada test helps surgeons understand your brain's language centers, preventing post-surgical complications.

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. Janet Lam 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 the early signs of acute insomnia, a patient implemented a proactive sleep hygiene plan, reducing the risk of developing long-term sleep problems and associated health concerns. This proactive approach provided the patient with greater peace of mind and improved overall well-being.
• By addressing anxiety through therapy, a patient improved their sleep quality, reducing the risk of long-term health problems associated with sleep deprivation. This proactive approach fostered a greater sense of well-being and peace of mind.

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. Janet Lam:

What is a Sleep Medicine specialist?

Dr. Lam is a board-certified sleep medicine specialist, meaning she has completed extra training to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Often coming from backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, she brings 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. It monitors your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements to create a comprehensive picture of your sleep patterns. This gold standard test helps us accurately diagnose sleep disorders and create a personalized prevention plan.

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 like a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, which can cause snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, sometimes offering a permanent solution.

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, helping to keep 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.

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 a child's 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. Lam, 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.

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, and surgical options to address anatomical blockages. These are important options to discuss with your doctor as part of a personalized treatment plan.

807 Childrens Way
Jacksonville FL 32207
Phone: (904) 697-3600

Dr. Janet Lam, 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): 1669495529

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. Janet Lam 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.