Dr. Michael Maraist, MD

Dr. Michael Maraist, MD is a Sleep Medicine specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Gainesville, 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. 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 (523) 333-5310 to schedule.

Dr. Michael Maraist, MD is a neurologist in Gainesville, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 2003, and completed an internship at Florida Hospital Orlando. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Sleep Medicine at the University of Florida Department of Neurology, followed by fellowship training in University of Florida Sleep Medicine, deepening his expertise in this specific area of patient health. Dr. Maraist is Board Certified in Neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and is affiliated with HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Sleep Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is accepting new patients. Our practice is dedicated to providing quality medical care to our patients. Our board certified neurologists have in-depth knowledge and expertise in neurological and sleep disorders. Our practice offers a broad spectrum of medical specialties and outpatient diagnostic services. Our electronic medical record allows your doctors to coordinate and collaborate on your complete medical care. Dr. Michael Maraist provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Michael Maraist 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. Michael Maraist 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. Michael Maraist 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 Disorders: Improving your sleep hygiene and seeking professional help for sleep problems prevents the cascade of negative health consequences associated with sleep deprivation.
• Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy, while not directly a sleep disorder, can affect sleep patterns and quality, making early diagnosis and appropriate management crucial for preventing further developmental challenges and improving sleep health.
• Concussion: Understanding that concussions often affect sleep is key for preventive healthcare; if you experience sleep changes after a head injury, get assessed to minimize long-term sleep disruption.
• Essential Tremor: Preventing complications from essential tremor requires proactive healthcare; early identification and treatment can help minimize its impact on daily life, including sleep quality.
• Vertigo: Vertigo can be a sign of several conditions affecting sleep and overall health. Seeking timely medical attention will improve your sleep and prevent potential health risks.
• Tension Headache: Early recognition of tension headaches allows for proactive management, reducing the risk of chronic pain and sleep disruption.
• Vascular Dementia: Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, and prioritizing cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes and regular checkups can significantly reduce your risk.
• Sleep Apnea: By addressing sleep apnea, you can improve your cardiovascular health, boost your energy levels, and greatly reduce your chances of developing other chronic illnesses linked to sleep deprivation.
• Insomnia: Preventing the negative consequences of insomnia, such as impaired cognitive function and increased risk of accidents, starts with proactive management strategies.
• 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.
• 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.
• Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, characterized by severe neurological problems, is largely preventable by maintaining healthy nutritional habits and addressing any underlying alcohol problems; proactive steps safeguard your brain's function.

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

• Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test: Protect your long-term health by getting a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test; it's a simple test that can detect early signs of neurological issues affecting your sleep.
• Deep Brain Stimulation Evaluation: To explore a potentially life-changing treatment for severe, treatment-resistant sleep disorders, consider a deep brain stimulation evaluation.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): To prevent the serious health effects of untreated sleep disorders, consider an EEG. This test helps identify irregularities in brain activity associated with conditions like sleep apnea and narcolepsy.
• Evoked Potential Test: Take a proactive step towards better sleep health: an evoked potential test can identify underlying neurological issues that contribute to sleep disorders like insomnia or narcolepsy.
• Home Sleep Study: Prevent future health issues by participating in a home sleep study; this straightforward test can reveal underlying sleep disorders, leading to better health and improved quality of life.
• ImPACT Testing: ImPACT testing is a valuable tool for early detection of concussion-related sleep disturbances, empowering you to seek timely treatment and improve your long-term sleep health.
• Memory Evaluation: Don't wait for memory problems to worsen. A memory evaluation is a crucial step in identifying sleep-related causes of memory issues and implementing preventative measures.
• Quantitative Sensory Test (QST): Taking a proactive step with a Quantitative Sensory Test (QST) allows for early detection of nerve problems that may be affecting your sleep quality and overall health.
• Sleep Study: Don't let sleep problems go unchecked – a sleep study can pinpoint the root cause of your sleep disturbances, preventing potential health risks and improving your daytime energy.
• Wada Test: To pinpoint the brain areas controlling language and memory, a Wada test helps doctors prepare for brain surgeries safely, preventing unintended cognitive damage.

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. Michael Maraist 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 establishing a consistent sleep schedule and practicing relaxation techniques, a patient significantly reduced their sleep disturbances and improved their overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy more energy and focus throughout the day.
• By proactively addressing potential sleep issues, a family was able to identify and manage factors that might impact their child's development, achieving a sense of peace and preparedness for the future.

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. Michael Maraist:

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 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, 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.

How is chronic insomnia treated?

Treatment for chronic insomnia goes beyond just sleeping pills. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the first-line, most effective long-term treatment. This program helps retrain the brain and body for healthy sleep by addressing the thoughts and behaviors that prevent it.

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 your life.

Why would a Neurologist be involved in my sleep care?

Neurologists, like Dr. Maraist, specialize in the brain and nervous system. They diagnose and treat sleep disorders originating in the brain's control centers, including narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias. This expertise ensures comprehensive care for these complex conditions.

Are there alternatives to CPAP for treating sleep apnea?

Yes, there are important alternatives to CPAP, such as custom-made oral appliances to reposition the jaw, and surgical options to address anatomical blockages. These can be crucial components of a personalized treatment plan.

What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device, similar to a mouthguard, created by a specially trained dentist. It gently shifts the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open during sleep. This can be a comfortable and portable alternative to CPAP therapy for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

6400 W Newberry Rd Ste 202
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (523) 333-5310

Dr. Michael Maraist, 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): 1982701033

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. Michael Maraist 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.