Gloria Monasmith, LCSW

Gloria Monasmith, LCSW is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Lakeland, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in preventive health. Her focus extends beyond immediate symptom management; she's committed to preventing long-term health complications from sleep disorders. This involves creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing overall wellness through collaboration with pulmonologists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists. She serves all ages, and welcomes new patients to embark on this proactive health journey. Please call (863) 687-1222 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Gloria LCSW's approach to patient care is deeply rooted in empowering individuals to take control of their health. Drawing on extensive experience in social work (since 2000) and licensed therapy (since 2008), she has a proven track record of supporting individuals of all ages. Her practice incorporates a focus on strengths-based care, helping patients identify their inner resources to address their challenges. This patient-centered philosophy, coupled with her expertise in sleep medicine, allows for a holistic approach to wellness. She actively promotes community wellness through a focus on addictions, trauma, and grief counseling, and is a valuable resource for individuals and groups (ages 9 and older). Dr. Gloria LCSW provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder, if left untreated, can significantly disrupt sleep patterns and worsen existing sleep problems, highlighting the importance of early intervention for better overall health.
• Childhood Depression: Childhood depression can significantly disrupt sleep patterns; taking steps to manage it can improve sleep quality and long-term health.
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: Early recognition and treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder are crucial in preventing its negative effects on sleep and overall health, allowing for better sleep hygiene and improved quality of life.
• Seizure Disorders: Controlling seizures through medication and lifestyle changes helps reduce the risk of long-term brain damage and cognitive impairment.
• Parasomnias: Parasomnias are unusual behaviors that occur during sleep, and addressing them early can prevent daytime sleepiness and improve your overall health.
• Acute Insomnia: Preventive care includes recognizing the warning signs of sleep problems. Acute insomnia, if left untreated, can contribute to daytime fatigue and decreased productivity.
• Anxiolytic Dependence: Preventing long-term health problems requires addressing anxiolytic dependence early, as it can significantly interfere with sleep and trigger a cascade of other health issues.

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

• Nasal Septum Surgery (Septoplasty): Addressing a deviated septum through septoplasty can be a proactive step towards better sleep and reducing the risk of long-term health problems associated with sleep disorders.
• 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.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CTB-I): Take control of your sleep with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), a proactive approach to identifying and changing unhelpful sleep habits.
• Exercise Counseling: Improve your sleep hygiene and reduce your risk of sleep disorders by getting personalized recommendations for a safe and effective exercise routine.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that may help improve sleep by targeting specific brain areas associated with sleep regulation, potentially preventing long-term sleep disorders.
• Speech Therapy: By improving airway function through exercises, speech therapy plays a role in early detection and management of sleep apnea.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): Protecting your sleep health starts with an EEG. This test screens for brainwave patterns linked to sleep disorders, helping us diagnose and treat problems early.

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. Gloria LCSW 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:

• Recognizing the link between sleep and binge eating, a patient proactively addressed potential issues, reducing the risk of developing the disorder and improving their overall well-being. This proactive approach ensured a healthier, more positive future for the patient.
• Recognizing the early warning signs of potential sleep disruption, a family proactively sought guidance, reducing the risk of childhood depression and fostering a healthier sleep environment for their child. This proactive approach allowed them to address potential challenges early, promoting 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. Gloria LCSW:

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, bringing a unique perspective to understanding 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 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 comprehensive picture of your sleep patterns, serving as the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders and creating a personalized prevention plan.

What is narcolepsy?

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

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 retrains the brain and body for healthy sleep by addressing thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep.

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.

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

An ENT, or otolaryngologist, is a surgeon specializing 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.

Why would a Neurologist be involved in my sleep care?

Neurologists specialize in the brain and nervous system. They can diagnose and treat sleep disorders that stem from the brain's control centers, such as narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias.

2400 Kathleen Rd
Lakeland FL 33810
Phone: (863) 687-1222

Gloria Monasmith, LCSW 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): 1770832859

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. Gloria LCSW 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.