Dr. Jose Colon, MD

Dr. Jose Colon, MD is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the 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. Please call (239) 343-0762 to schedule.

Dr. Jose Colon, MD is a pediatric neurologist in Fort Myers, FL, with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in 2003 and is affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a deep understanding of patient needs and family dynamics to his practice. He is Board Certified in Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology, and Board Certified in Sleep Medicine, by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Colon is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments and offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Headache: Ignoring frequent headaches could mask a sleep apnea diagnosis, leading to long-term cardiovascular risks; seeking help early is crucial for prevention.
• Spinal Demyelination: Spinal demyelination can lead to various neurological complications affecting your overall health and well-being, including sleep. Preventive care focuses on early identification and treatment to mitigate risks.
• Sleep-Walking: Understanding the potential causes of your sleepwalking episodes, such as sleep deprivation or other underlying sleep disorders, is a key step in preventing future occurrences and promoting better sleep.
• Sleep Related Hypoxemia: Don't underestimate the risk of sleep-related hypoxemia; proactively addressing low oxygen levels during sleep is vital for preventing future health issues.
• Epilepsy: Early detection of epilepsy and appropriate management strategies are crucial for preventing sleep disruptions and improving the quality of life for individuals and their families.
• 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.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Managing MS effectively can help prevent the progression of neurological symptoms that often interfere with sleep, showcasing the importance of adhering to treatment plans for better sleep quality.
• Concussion: Preventing serious complications from a concussion includes monitoring for sleep disturbances, as changes in sleep can signal ongoing brain injury and the need for further medical attention.
• Seizure Disorders: Early detection and management of seizure disorders are crucial for preventing serious injuries and improving overall quality of life.
• Primary Central Sleep Apnea: Don't ignore the signs of primary central sleep apnea; addressing this disorder, where your brain doesn't consistently signal your breathing, is key for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• 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.
• Cerebral Palsy: Although not a sleep disorder itself, cerebral palsy can significantly impact sleep in children, highlighting the importance of proactive monitoring and interventions to mitigate sleep disturbances and promote healthy development.

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

• EEG (Electroencephalogram): Protecting your sleep health starts with an EEG. This test screens for brainwave patterns linked to sleep disorders, helping us diagnose and treat problems early.
• Marital Therapy: Improve your sleep quality by working with a therapist to identify and resolve relationship conflicts that could be impacting your rest.
• Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) helps determine how quickly you fall asleep during the day, aiding in the early diagnosis and management of excessive daytime sleepiness and potential sleep disorders.
• Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances: Take control of your sleep apnea with custom-fitted oral appliances; these devices can help you breathe easier and improve your overall health.
• Psychotherapy for Crisis: Investing in crisis psychotherapy allows for early intervention and management of mental health challenges, leading to better sleep patterns and overall health.
• Cognitive Function Testing: Proactively safeguard your cognitive well-being: This test assesses your mental sharpness, allowing for early detection and treatment of underlying sleep-related issues.
• Deep Brain Stimulation: As a step towards better sleep, deep brain stimulation offers a potential solution for patients with conditions like narcolepsy or other sleep disorders unresponsive to other treatments, by stimulating specific areas of the brain that control sleep.

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. Jose Colon 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 frequent headaches as a potential sign of sleep apnea, a patient proactively sought guidance from a sleep medicine specialist, reducing their risk of long-term cardiovascular issues and achieving greater peace of mind.
• By proactively addressing potential sleep-related risk factors, a patient significantly reduced the chance of spinal demyelination complications, fostering a sense of peace and empowerment in their health journey.

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. Jose Colon:

What is a Sleep Medicine specialist?

A sleep medicine specialist is a board-certified doctor who has undergone specialized training to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Often trained in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, they bring 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. Fortunately, treatment is a critical step in preventing these serious long-term complications.

What happens during a sleep study (polysomnogram)?

During a sleep study, or 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.

How does an Otolaryngologist (ENT) help with sleep problems?

An otolaryngologist (ENT) is a surgeon specializing in the ear, nose, and throat. They can identify and surgically correct physical blockages, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, that can cause snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, sometimes providing a permanent solution.

What is a circadian rhythm disorder?

Circadian rhythm disorders are problems with the body's internal 24-hour clock, leading to a misalignment between this internal clock and the external environment, like delayed sleep phase. A sleep specialist can help reset this clock using strategies such as light therapy and timed melatonin.

Are there alternatives to CPAP for treating sleep apnea?

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

Can my child have sleep apnea?

Yes, sleep apnea in children is common, often due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Prompt diagnosis is important, as untreated sleep apnea can affect growth, learning, and behavior. Fortunately, treatment is key to preventing these developmental issues.

How is chronic insomnia treated?

Treatment for chronic insomnia goes beyond just sleeping pills. Our practice emphasizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), a program that effectively retrains the brain and body for healthy sleep by addressing the thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep.

13601 Plantation Rd
Fort Myers FL 33912
Phone: (239) 343-0762

Dr. Jose Colon, 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): 1174670020

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. Jose Colon 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.