Sandra Rico, M

Sandra Rico, M.D. is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she's committed 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. Call (999) 999-9999 to schedule. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Sex Therapist, Dr. Sandra M utilizes a Client-Centered approach to therapy, helping clients discover themselves, learn, and develop coping skills. Dr. Sandra M's care philosophy reflects a commitment to accessible and personalized care, consistent with the patient-first approach of Rula Health, which strives to make mental healthcare more accessible and effective. Dr. Sandra M offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Relationship Issues: Strong relationships contribute to better mental health, which in turn improves sleep; prioritizing relationship health is an important aspect of preventive sleep care.
• Compulsions: Uncontrolled urges or repetitive behaviors, like constantly checking locks or washing hands, can disrupt your sleep and overall well-being, making early identification and treatment crucial for better sleep hygiene and long-term health.
• Drug Withdrawal: Drug withdrawal symptoms, like insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness, can worsen existing sleep disorders, emphasizing the need for careful medication management to prevent further complications.
• Apnea: Don't let apnea disrupt your sleep and health; proactive diagnosis and treatment can help prevent dangerous complications and improve your overall well-being.
• Drug Abuse: Addressing substance abuse early can help prevent the development or worsening of various sleep disorders, allowing you to improve your sleep health and reduce risks to physical and mental health.
• Mood Disorders: Preventing mood disorders from escalating is vital for maintaining healthy sleep habits, promoting better overall health, and decreasing the likelihood of serious health consequences.
• Geriatric Depression: Because depression can disrupt sleep patterns and worsen existing conditions, early intervention in older adults is a key element of preventive healthcare.

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

• Family Counseling: To improve your sleep, consider family counseling; it helps identify and resolve relationship issues that may contribute to sleep problems.
• Wada Test: This test helps doctors determine which side of your brain is dominant for language, assisting in planning for brain surgeries that prevent language problems post-operation.
• Family Psychotherapy: Proactive family therapy can help uncover hidden stressors impacting sleep, offering a supportive environment to identify and manage these challenges within the family unit.
• Internal Family Systems Therapy: Internal Family Systems Therapy helps you explore your inner world and address underlying emotional issues that might be affecting your sleep, preventing further sleep disturbances.
• 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.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): Take a proactive step towards better health with an EEG; this simple brainwave test can detect abnormalities that contribute to sleep problems, preventing long-term health issues.
• Spirometry: Proactively assess your respiratory function with spirometry; this quick test helps identify potential issues that could lead to more serious breathing disorders, preventing complications down the line.

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. Sandra M 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 relationship needs, a family found increased harmony and a more positive sleep environment, contributing to improved overall well-being. This proactive approach fostered a stronger foundation for their future together.
• Recognizing and addressing repetitive behaviors early, a patient developed coping mechanisms to manage compulsions, leading to improved sleep quality and a greater sense of control over their 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. Sandra M:

What is a Sleep Medicine specialist?

Dr. Sandra M. is a board-certified sleep medicine specialist, meaning she has completed additional training to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Often with backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, she brings a unique perspective to 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)?

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, allowing us to accurately diagnose sleep disorders and create an effective prevention plan. It's the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders.

Why would a Neurologist be involved in my sleep care?

Neurologists, like Dr. Sandra M., specialize in the brain and nervous system. They are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat sleep disorders that originate in the brain's control centers, such as narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias.

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

We understand your concern about acting out your dreams. This could be a sign of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), which, while often treatable, can sometimes be an early indicator of other neurological conditions. A consultation with Dr. Sandra M. is important to assess the situation and discuss available treatments to manage symptoms and ensure your safety during sleep.

What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sensory disorder causing an overwhelming urge to move the legs, often worsening in the evening or at night. It's not simply a muscle cramp, but a complex condition. Diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing severe sleep disruption and improving your quality of life.

Are there alternatives to CPAP for treating sleep apnea?

Yes, there are alternatives to CPAP, such as custom-made oral appliances or surgical options to address anatomical blockages. These are important options to consider in a personalized treatment plan with your doctor.

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 personalized management plan, including medication and lifestyle strategies, can effectively prevent symptoms from significantly impacting daily life.

PO Box 999
Tampa FL 33601
Phone: (999) 999-9999

Sandra Rico, M 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): 1760787220

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. Sandra M 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.