Dr. John Wachira, MD

Dr. John Wachira, MD is a Sleep Medicine specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is a trusted partner in preventive health. He understands that your general Sleep Medicine physician is your primary partner in preventing long-term health complications from sleep disorders. This involves 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 embark on their proactive health journey. Dr. John K Wachira, MD, a Doctor primarily located in Jacksonville, FL, with specialties including Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Internal Medicine, earned his medical degree from Southwest College Of Naturopathic Medicinehealth Sciences. He is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His residency was completed at Creighton University Medical Center Sanford School of Medicine, following his graduation from IAU College of Medicine. Dr. Wachira's care philosophy centers on proactive intervention and collaboration, ensuring optimal health outcomes. For consultations, please call (904) 253-6910. Dr. John Wachira provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Sleep Related Hypoxemia: Managing sleep-related hypoxemia effectively helps prevent or reduce the severity of related health problems like high blood pressure and stroke, emphasizing the importance of preventive care.
• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue, and early diagnosis and management can prevent the development of serious complications like depression and anxiety.
• 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.
• Headache: Regular headaches might disrupt your sleep, increasing your risk for other health issues; managing headaches proactively protects 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.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Preventing the debilitating effects of chronic fatigue syndrome starts with recognizing the symptoms and seeking professional help – effective management can improve your quality of life.
• Nightmare Disorder: Don't let recurring nightmares control your sleep; addressing this sleep disorder early can improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and prevent negative consequences on your physical and mental health.
• Primary Central Sleep Apnea: Primary central sleep apnea is a condition where your brain fails to regulate breathing during sleep, potentially causing serious health problems if left untreated; proactive management is crucial for better sleep and 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.
• Primary Insomnia: Primary insomnia, meaning sleep problems not stemming from other health issues, needs attention because it can affect your physical and mental health; managing it effectively is a critical step in preventing long-term health consequences.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Early detection and treatment of chronic sinusitis are essential to avoid long-term health issues, such as sleep apnea or insomnia stemming from nasal congestion and breathing difficulties.
• Asthma: Managing your asthma effectively through medication and lifestyle changes can prevent sleep disruptions and improve your overall 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. John Wachira 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.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP is a comfortable mask that delivers a steady stream of air, preventing sleep apnea and lowering your risk of serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services: Ensure your lungs are working optimally for a good night's sleep – pulmonary rehabilitation is a valuable assessment to detect and manage potential respiratory problems.
• Sleep Study: Protecting your long-term health starts with a sleep study, a simple procedure that helps diagnose sleep disorders early, leading to effective treatment and improved quality of life.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively reduce your risk of sleep disorders and other health problems by participating in smoking cessation counseling.
• Spirometry: Take a proactive step towards better breathing by scheduling spirometry; this non-invasive test can help identify and treat conditions such as asthma and COPD before they worsen.
• Stress Management: By actively managing stress, you can contribute to earlier identification of sleep disorders and prevent their worsening.

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. John Wachira 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 and proactively managing sleep-related hypoxemia, a patient reduced the risk of developing serious health issues, gaining increased peace of mind and confidence in their overall well-being.
• Recognizing the early warning signs of potential fibromyalgia, a patient proactively addressed their sleep patterns and stress levels. This early intervention significantly reduced the risk of developing the chronic condition's debilitating symptoms.

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. John Wachira:

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 trained 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. Treatment is a critical step in preventing these serious long-term complications.

What happens during a sleep study (polysomnogram)?

During a sleep study, also known as a 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, serving as the gold standard for accurately diagnosing sleep disorders and creating an effective prevention plan.

What is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)?

The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a daytime test, typically following an overnight sleep study. It involves a series of scheduled naps to objectively measure how quickly you fall asleep in quiet situations. It's a primary tool used to diagnose narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition where the brain struggles to regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and sometimes cataplexy. While there's no cure, a sleep specialist can create a management plan using medication and lifestyle strategies to effectively prevent symptoms from significantly impacting daily life.

What is CPAP therapy and how does it work?

CPAP therapy, using a machine that delivers gentle, constant air pressure through a mask, is the most common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. It prevents breathing pauses during sleep, restoring healthy sleep and protecting the heart.

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 used for complex cases or to diagnose other sleep disorders like narcolepsy or parasomnias.

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 rather a neurological sensation. Diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing severe sleep disruption and improving your quality of life.

1325 San Marco Blvd Ste 300
Jacksonville FL 32207
Phone: (904) 253-6910

Dr. John Wachira, 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): 1659699122

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. John Wachira 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.