Dr. Mary Wagner, MD

Dr. Mary Wagner, MD is a Sleep Medicine specialist deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at the UF Health Sleep Center in Gainesville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, she practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is dedicated to preventing long-term health complications from sleep disorders. Your general Sleep Medicine physician is your primary partner in preventing these complications, 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 265-5240 to schedule.

Dr. Wagner, with over 40 years of dedicated experience in Sleep Medicine care, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida in 1980 and completed postgraduate training in Pediatrics and Pediatric Pulmonology at the same institution. Further enhancing her expertise, she is board certified in Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatrics, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Wagner's commitment to comprehensive care extends to her role as the Director of the Pediatric Sleep Program at UF Health Sleep Disorders Center at Magnolia Parke and as a Professor of Pediatrics in the Pediatric Pulmonary Division at the University of Florida. This extensive experience allows her to evaluate and treat children with a wide range of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movements, parasomnias, narcolepsy, and circadian rhythm disorders. She also directs the Pediatric Pulmonary Center Training Grant, and previously served as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Mary Wagner provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Mary Wagner 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. Mary Wagner 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. Mary Wagner 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: Managing your asthma effectively through medication and lifestyle changes can prevent sleep disruptions and improve your overall well-being.
• Central Alveolar Hypoventilation Syndrome: If you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, or other symptoms of CAHS, seeking medical attention promptly helps prevent irreversible lung damage and other health issues.
• Insomnia: Insomnia, the struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, can be addressed early to prevent long-term health problems like anxiety, depression, and weakened immunity.
• Narcolepsy: By identifying and managing narcolepsy early, you can take control of your sleep and significantly decrease the chances of developing serious health complications, like depression and anxiety.
• Sleep Apnea: Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious long-term health problems, so identifying and addressing it early is vital for your overall well-being and to prevent future health complications.
• Sleep Disorders: Untreated sleep disorders can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes, so early detection and management are crucial for your long-term well-being.
• Sleep-Walking: Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a sleep disorder where you walk or perform other activities while asleep, and addressing it early can help prevent injuries and disruptions to your daily life.

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

• 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.
• Pulmonary Function Test: For a thorough evaluation of your sleep health, a pulmonary function test helps screen for lung problems that could be impacting your breathing and leading to sleep disorders.
• 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.
• Detoxification: Taking proactive steps towards better sleep hygiene can help identify and address underlying issues that may be disrupting your sleep and overall health.
• Diagnostic Evaluation: Don't let sleep problems go untreated; a diagnostic evaluation provides a comprehensive assessment to determine the cause of your sleep issues and prevent serious health risks.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Invest in your long-term health by undergoing psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy, which helps pinpoint and treat the root causes of sleep disorders such as insomnia and improve your sleep hygiene.
• Polysomnography With CPAP Titration: This sleep study, combined with CPAP titration, helps pinpoint the severity of your sleep apnea and finds the optimal CPAP pressure to improve your sleep and overall health.

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. Mary Wagner 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 their asthma triggers and following a proactive medication and lifestyle plan, a patient experienced fewer nighttime awakenings and improved overall sleep quality. This proactive approach allowed them to better manage their asthma and enjoy a more restful and fulfilling life.
• Recognizing early symptoms of Central Alveolar Hypoventilation Syndrome and working with a sleep specialist allowed a patient to proactively manage their condition, reducing the risk of serious complications and improving their overall well-being.

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. Mary Wagner:

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 come from backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, providing 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. Fortunately, 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 complete picture of your sleep patterns. This comprehensive evaluation is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders and developing a personalized prevention plan.

Can my child have sleep apnea?

Yes, sleep apnea in children is common, often due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Prompt 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.

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

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

What is CPAP therapy and how does it work?

CPAP therapy is a common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers gentle, continuous air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep, preventing breathing pauses. This therapy helps restore healthy sleep and protect your heart.

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

While acting out dreams can be concerning, it might be a sign of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD). A consultation with Dr. Wagner is important, as RBD can sometimes be an early indicator of other neurological conditions. Fortunately, treatments are available to manage symptoms and ensure your safety during sleep.

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.

UF Health Sleep Center
4740 NW 39th Pl Ste C
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 265-5240

Dr. Mary Wagner, 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): 1770523813

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. Mary Wagner 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.