Kashi Heynis, LMHC

Kashi Heynis, LMHC is a Sleep Medicine specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a partner in preventive health at her clinic in Clearwater, FL. Dr. Kashi LMHC understands that your general Sleep Medicine physician is your primary partner in preventing long-term health complications from sleep disorders. She creates personalized long-term health plans, coordinates necessary screenings, and manages your overall wellness through collaboration with pulmonologists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists, addressing the needs of all ages. Please call (727) 249-3037 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kashi LMHC's approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She believes in creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health journey. Drawing on 9 years of professional experience, including expertise in stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and building motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, she recognizes the inherent strength within each individual. She is committed to supporting and empowering her patients as they embark on their paths toward a healthier, happier life. Dr. Kashi LMHC provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Alcohol Withdrawal: To maintain healthy sleep patterns, address alcohol dependence, as the withdrawal process can lead to severe sleep disturbances and long-term health consequences requiring timely medical attention.
• Substance Abuse: For better sleep and overall well-being, addressing substance abuse is vital; it can significantly worsen existing sleep problems or create new ones.
• Hypertension, Stress-Induced: By identifying and addressing the sources of stress in your life, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing stress-induced high blood pressure and its related complications.
• Mild Headache: Managing even mild headaches proactively can improve your sleep quality and reduce the risk of developing more serious conditions linked to sleep deprivation.
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: Addressing Dissociative Identity Disorder through therapy can improve sleep patterns, as untreated DID often leads to sleep disturbances which, if left unchecked, could worsen overall well-being.
• Dissociative Amnesia: Dissociative amnesia, characterized by memory loss of personal information, can be a significant mental health concern impacting sleep, highlighting the need for early intervention and support to prevent further psychological distress and sleep disruption.
• Neurasthenia: Neurasthenia, characterized by fatigue and weakness, can significantly impact sleep quality, making early detection and management crucial for preventing long-term health problems.

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

• Spirometry: Invest in your respiratory health with spirometry; this vital test helps detect lung diseases in their early stages, facilitating prompt treatment and preventing debilitating effects.
• Detoxification: Taking proactive steps towards better sleep hygiene can help identify and address underlying issues that may be disrupting your sleep and overall health.
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Improve your sleep hygiene and reduce anxiety through Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), an effective tool for early intervention in sleep problems.
• Polysomnography With CPAP Titration: Take a proactive step towards better health by undergoing a polysomnography with CPAP titration to accurately diagnose and effectively treat sleep apnea, preventing potential heart and brain health complications.
• EMG (Electromyography): Take a proactive step towards better sleep health: an EMG helps your doctor identify muscle-related sleep issues that could be impacting your overall well-being.
• Group Psychotherapy: Proactively address the emotional and psychological aspects of sleep problems through group therapy, enabling early intervention and improved sleep hygiene practices to prevent future health issues.
• Ventilator Management: By optimizing your ventilator settings, ventilator management contributes to better sleep, reducing daytime fatigue and improving overall well-being.

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. Kashi LMHC 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 alcohol dependence and establishing healthy sleep habits, a patient significantly reduced the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, ensuring a more peaceful and stable future.
• Recognizing the link between sleep and substance use, a patient proactively addressed potential issues, establishing healthy coping mechanisms and significantly reducing their risk. This proactive approach fostered a sense of well-being and control over their overall health.

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. Kashi LMHC:

What is a Sleep Medicine specialist?

A sleep medicine specialist, like Dr. Kashi LMHC, is a board-certified doctor who has specialized training in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. They often have backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, providing a unique perspective to identify 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)?

During a sleep study, or polysomnogram, 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 accurately diagnosing sleep disorders and creating a personalized prevention plan.

What is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)?

The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a daytime test, often following an overnight sleep study. It involves a series of scheduled naps to objectively measure how quickly you fall asleep in quiet situations. It's the primary tool used to diagnose narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?

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

What is CPAP therapy and how does it work?

CPAP therapy is a common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. It uses a machine to deliver gentle, continuous air pressure through a mask, keeping your airway open during sleep. This prevents breathing pauses, restoring healthy sleep and protecting your heart.

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.

What is a circadian rhythm disorder?

Circadian rhythm disorders are problems with the body's internal 24-hour clock, leading to misalignment with the external environment, like delayed sleep phase. A sleep specialist can help reset your body clock using strategies like light therapy and timed melatonin. We can work together to find a solution that's right for you.

2454 N McMullen Booth Rd Ste 401
Clearwater FL 33759
Phone: (727) 249-3037

Kashi Heynis, LMHC 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): 1740799014

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. Kashi LMHC 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.