Dr. Lazaro Bravo, MD

Dr. Lazaro Bravo, MD is a Sleep Medicine specialist practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. He is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Sleep Medicine care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing 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, but is not currently accepting new patients. Please call (239) 343-1000 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Lazaro Bravo, MD is a pulmonologist in Fort Myers, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field, specializing in Obstructive Lung Disease. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a strong foundation to his patients and their families. He graduated from Universidad Central del Este Escuela de Medicina in 1983, completed an internship at Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine (1998), and subsequently undertook residency training in Sleep Medicine at Jewish Hospital (2000), followed by fellowship training in Wilford Hall Medical Center (2005). He is Board Certified in Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease (by both the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons and the American Board of Internal Medicine), and Pulmonology (by the American Board of Medical Specialties). "Carpe Diem," In our practice, we strive to provide the best possible care for each patient. Dr. Bravo offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Anxiety: Managing anxiety proactively can prevent the development of serious sleep disorders and improve your quality of life in the long run.
• Sleep Disorders: Regular check-ups and sleep assessments can help identify and manage sleep disorders before they escalate into more severe health issues.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD, a chronic lung disease, can worsen sleep apnea and disrupt your sleep, highlighting the importance of early detection and management to protect your respiratory and sleep health.
• Fibromyalgia: Effective fibromyalgia management, through a combination of therapies and self-care, can help prevent the progression of pain and fatigue, allowing you to live a fuller life.
• 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.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Protecting your sleep health begins with addressing tobacco use; it's a major risk factor for many sleep disorders and overall health.
• 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.
• Wheezing: Wheezing, a whistling sound during breathing, can be a sign of underlying respiratory issues that may disrupt your sleep and worsen over time if left unaddressed, highlighting the importance of early medical evaluation for preventive care.
• Chronic Sinusitis: Preventing chronic sinusitis through good hygiene and addressing allergies can improve your sleep quality and reduce your risk of developing sleep-related breathing disorders.
• Narcolepsy: Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder where you experience overwhelming daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, impacting your daily life and increasing your risk of accidents; early diagnosis and management are key to preventing these risks.
• Asthma: Asthma, if left unmanaged, can disrupt your sleep due to coughing and breathlessness, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment for better overall health.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Protecting your brain from injury is crucial for preventing long-term sleep problems and other health complications.

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. Lazaro Bravo 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): If you suspect sleep apnea, CPAP therapy could be the solution. It's a non-invasive treatment that screens for and addresses breathing problems during sleep, allowing you to wake up refreshed and healthy.
• Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy: For a comprehensive assessment of your breathing during sleep, a fiberoptic bronchoscopy can help your doctor identify any structural airway problems contributing to sleep apnea or related conditions, facilitating early intervention.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services: Proactively address potential respiratory issues affecting your sleep by participating in pulmonary rehabilitation; it can improve your breathing and overall sleep health.
• Respiratory Management: Proactive respiratory management helps identify potential breathing problems during sleep, preventing serious health risks like heart disease and stroke.
• Sleep Study: Take a proactive step towards better health with a sleep study: it's a diagnostic tool that screens for hidden sleep problems that could impact your overall well-being.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Improve your sleep and overall health by getting expert help to quit smoking; it's a key step towards better health outcomes.

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. Lazaro Bravo 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 addressing underlying anxiety concerns early, a patient developed healthier coping mechanisms, preventing potential future sleep problems and improving overall well-being.
• By scheduling regular sleep assessments, a family proactively identified potential sleep issues and implemented lifestyle changes, reducing their risk of developing more serious health problems and enjoying more restful nights.

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. Lazaro Bravo:

What is a Sleep Medicine specialist?

A sleep medicine specialist is a board-certified doctor who has completed specialized training to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Often coming from backgrounds 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. 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 comprehensive picture of your sleep patterns, helping us accurately diagnose sleep disorders and develop a personalized prevention plan. It's the gold standard for sleep disorder diagnosis.

Can lifestyle changes like weight loss help sleep apnea?

Yes, significantly. Excess weight can narrow the airway, and for many patients, even a moderate amount of weight loss can dramatically reduce or even eliminate sleep apnea, preventing the need for other therapies.

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 primarily used to diagnose narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

What is narcolepsy?

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

What is CPAP therapy and how does it work?

CPAP therapy is a common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. It uses a machine to deliver gentle, constant air pressure through a mask, keeping your airway open during sleep. This prevents breathing pauses, restoring healthy sleep and protecting your heart.

What is a circadian rhythm disorder?

Circadian rhythm disorders are problems with the body's internal 24-hour clock, causing a misalignment between your internal clock and the external environment, like when your body clock is mismatched with your schedule. A sleep specialist can help reset your body's clock using strategies like light therapy and timed melatonin. We can work together to help you get a better night's sleep.

13681 Doctors Way
Fort Myers FL 33912
Phone: (239) 343-1000

Dr. Lazaro Bravo, 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): 1295785657

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. Lazaro Bravo 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.