Dr. Lisa Whims-Squires, DO

Dr. Lisa Whims-Squires, DO is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Sleep Medicine care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Clearwater, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She's committed to helping all ages prevent long-term health complications from sleep disorders by creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing overall wellness through collaboration with pulmonologists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists. Dr. Whims-Squires is currently welcoming new patients to begin this proactive health journey; please call (727) 466-9847 to schedule.

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Sleep Medicine care, Dr. Lisa Whims-Squires brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1993 and completed an internship at Ami Palmetto General Hospital in 1994. Further specializing, she pursued fellowship training in Umdnj-Kennedy Memorial Hospital in 1998. Dr. Whims-Squires is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. She is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital and Mease Countryside Hospital, and serves patients of all ages. Dr. Whims-Squires is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Lisa Whims-Squires 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. Lisa Whims-Squires 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. Lisa Whims-Squires 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: Asthma is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea, so effective asthma management is key to promoting healthy sleep and preventing serious long-term complications.
• Chronic Bronchiolitis: Chronic bronchiolitis may be manageable through preventative measures such as vaccination against respiratory viruses and regular pulmonary function testing, which may prevent hospitalization.
• 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.
• Insomnia: Chronic insomnia increases your risk of developing serious health conditions. Taking steps to manage it now is vital for your long-term health.
• 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.
• Narcolepsy and Cataplexy: Managing narcolepsy and cataplexy proactively, including medication and lifestyle changes, can help prevent sleep-related accidents and improve your overall health and well-being.
• Primary Central Sleep Apnea: Preventing long-term health risks associated with primary central sleep apnea starts with understanding its impact on your breathing while you sleep; timely medical attention can help manage this condition and improve your overall health.
• Psychophysiologic Insomnia: Preventing the development of chronic insomnia involves understanding the role of your thoughts and feelings in your sleep problems, a key aspect of psychophysiologic insomnia.
• Restless Leg Syndrome: Restless Legs Syndrome can significantly affect your quality of life, but proactive management through lifestyle changes and medical intervention can lessen its impact and prevent further complications.
• 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.
• Sleep-Walking: By proactively addressing sleepwalking, you can reduce the risk of injuries, property damage, or other problems, thereby optimizing your well-being.
• Wheezing: Wheezing sounds during sleep can indicate a problem that needs attention to avoid impacting your sleep quality and overall health; preventive care ensures early diagnosis and effective management.

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

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services: Pulmonary rehabilitation helps screen for underlying lung conditions that may contribute to sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, allowing for early intervention.
• 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.
• Suboxone® Treatment: If you're struggling with opioid addiction, Suboxone® treatment can be a crucial step toward better sleep and a healthier life, by alleviating withdrawal symptoms that disrupt sleep.
• Grief Therapy: Grief therapy can help you process difficult emotions and improve your sleep, which is essential for overall health and well-being.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you understand and overcome the underlying causes of insomnia, leading to better sleep and improved overall health.
• Ventilator Management: Proactive ventilator management helps ensure your breathing support is optimized, preventing complications and improving your quality of life.
• Family Psychotherapy: Proactive family therapy can help uncover hidden stressors impacting sleep, offering a supportive environment to identify and manage these challenges within the family unit.

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. Lisa Whims-Squires 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 proactively managing their asthma, a patient significantly reduced their risk of sleep apnea, ensuring a healthier sleep and a more comfortable future.
• By prioritizing vaccinations and consistent pulmonary function tests, a family proactively managed their risk for chronic bronchiolitis, fostering peace of mind and a healthier future.

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. Lisa Whims-Squires:

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 have backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, giving them a unique perspective on 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, 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 diagnosing sleep disorders and creating a personalized prevention plan.

Can my child have sleep apnea?

Yes, sleep apnea in children is common, often due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Early diagnosis is crucial, as untreated sleep apnea can impact a child's growth, learning, and behavior. Fortunately, treatment can help prevent 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 and surgical options to address anatomical blockages. These are important options to discuss with your doctor for a personalized treatment plan.

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

My partner says I act out my dreams. Should I be concerned?

We understand your concern. Acting out dreams could be a sign of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), which sometimes precedes other neurological conditions. A consultation with Dr. Whims-Squires is important to assess the situation and discuss available treatments to manage symptoms and ensure safety during sleep.

What is CPAP therapy and how does it work?

CPAP therapy is the most 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.

1305 S Fort Harrison Ave Ste G
Clearwater FL 33756
Phone: (727) 466-9847

Dr. Lisa Whims-Squires, DO 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): 1831133446

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. Lisa Whims-Squires 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.