Dr. Monica Woodward, MD

Dr. Monica Woodward, MD is a Sleep Medicine specialist practicing at her clinic in Naples, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Sleep Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the crucial role of preventative care in managing sleep disorders and their potential long-term health implications. 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. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 254-1233 to schedule.

Dr. Monica Woodward, MD is a sleep medicine internist in Naples, FL, with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she partners with patients and their families to address sleep disorders and optimize their health. Dr. Woodward's extensive experience in Sleep Apnea, combined with her comprehensive understanding of sleep medicine, sets her apart. She earned her medical degree from St George's University in 1997, followed by an internship at St Michael's Medical Center in 1998. Subsequently, she pursued residency training in Sleep Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (2000), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages, and fellowship training in University of Miami (2003), further deepening her expertise. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is affiliated with Naples Community Hospital and Physicians Regional Medical Center Pine Ridge and offers consultations in Spanish.

Dr. Woodward's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her dedication to her patients and their families, coupled with her extensive experience and advanced certifications, makes her an invaluable partner in your health journey. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Monica Woodward 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. Monica Woodward 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. Monica Woodward 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.
• 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.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): If you have COPD, working closely with your doctor to manage it effectively can lessen its impact on your sleep and improve your overall well-being.
• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue, and early diagnosis and management can prevent the development of serious complications like depression and anxiety.
• 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.
• Primary Central Sleep Apnea: Primary central sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where your brain doesn't properly signal your breathing muscles, leading to pauses in breathing during sleep; early diagnosis and treatment can prevent heart problems and other health issues.
• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: Don't ignore the signs of REM sleep behavior disorder; seeking help early can prevent the progression to more serious neurological conditions.
• Restless Leg Syndrome: Don't let restless legs control your life! Early detection and treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome can improve your sleep quality and prevent related health problems.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Early detection and management of tobacco use disorder can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious sleep-related complications.
• Wheezing: Regular checkups and attention to wheezing can help identify and manage potential respiratory issues before they escalate and significantly impact your sleep and long-term health.

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

• Bronchoscopy: To ensure you get the best possible sleep, a bronchoscopy can help find and treat underlying lung conditions early on, preventing serious health complications later.
• 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.
• Respiratory Management: Prioritize your respiratory health by undergoing a comprehensive evaluation; this proactive step can prevent the long-term effects of undiagnosed sleep-related breathing disorders.
• Sleep Study: Protecting your long-term health starts with a sleep study, a simple procedure that helps diagnose sleep disorders early, leading to effective treatment and improved quality of life.
• 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.
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) helps you identify and overcome obstacles to better sleep by focusing on what you want to achieve.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): If emotional distress is affecting your sleep, EMDR therapy is a helpful approach to work through these issues and promote restful 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. Monica Woodward 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 addressing their anxiety with a personalized sleep plan, a patient experienced reduced stress and improved sleep quality, leading to a more positive outlook on life.
• By understanding their asthma triggers and developing a proactive management plan, a patient felt empowered to prevent disruptive nighttime symptoms, ensuring a more restful and healthy sleep.

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. Monica Woodward:

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. Often with backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, they bring a unique perspective to identify the root cause of 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 significant risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Treatment is critical to 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.

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. Woodward 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.

What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition where the brain struggles to regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and potentially cataplexy. While there's no cure, a sleep specialist can develop a management plan using medication and lifestyle strategies to help minimize symptoms and improve quality of life.

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 discuss with your physician to create a personalized treatment plan.

What is CPAP therapy and how does it work?

CPAP therapy, using a machine with a mask, delivers gentle, constant air pressure to keep your airway open during sleep. This prevents breathing pauses, restoring healthy sleep and protecting your heart. It's the most common and effective treatment for sleep apnea.

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, empowering you to prevent the need for other therapies.

1865 Veterans Park Dr Ste 301
Naples FL 34109
Phone: (239) 254-1233

Dr. Monica Woodward, 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): 1710908090

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. Monica Woodward 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.