Man and woman sleeping

Sleep Apnea: Getting Diagnosed in Encino & San Fernando Valley

OSA is a serious medical condition which is associated with increased risk of stroke and in severe cases, death. Therefore sleep disorders must be diagnosed by a physician or doctor specializing in sleep disorders. Once you have undergone a sleep study and a diagnosis is given, treatment options will be discussed.

Sleep Studies

A laboratory sleep study called a polysomnogram (PSG) gives Dr. Simmons the best picture of how you breathe or don’t breathe during sleep. It gives detailed information regarding apneas (when breathing stops) and hypopneas (when breathing is shallow due to an obstruction) as well as pulse, blood oxygen levels and other physiological processes such as sleep architecture including REM sleep, heart and brain waves and even unusual moving like leg or arm jerking. Depending on your circumstances, Dr. Simmons will recommend either a PSG or a home sleep test (HST) which focuses more specifically on breathing during sleep.

What is a PSG?

A PSG is a diagnostic tool used to determine sleep disorders. PSGs are usually performed overnight either at a hospital, or at a sleep clinic, under the supervision of a sleep technician. The sleeping rooms are usually similar to a nice hotel room so that you can feel comfortable and get a “normal” nights sleep.

Polysomnograms (PSGs) are used to monitor a patient’s sleep stages (such as REM sleep) and cycles to determine what if any disturbances you have which can be caused by sleep disorders. The PSG test uses equipment that monitors brain, muscle, heart, movement and breathing activity to give the doctors a very detailed view of what, if any, sleep disorder you may be suffering from.

What is a HST?

A home sleep test (HST) is a sleep study tool that is used in your home. Different from the PSG, you use a portable device similar in size to a cell phone to monitor your sleep. This allows you to sleep in your own bed and track your sleep patterns under your normal conditions. Home sleep testing is also called an “out of center sleep study” or “unattended sleep study.”

Man snoring, woman covering ears with pillow

I travel far to see Dr. Simmons, and I always feel it is time well spent. The office staff is so nice, the assistants are so kind and listen to what you have to say, and they return phone call questions promptly.

Dr. Simmons always greets me warmly, and is patient with all my questions…and I ask a lot of questions.

— Debra F.

My initial visit with Dr.Simmons was very thorough. He spent a lot of time with me and did a very complete exam.

— Steven M.

Great doctor and office staff

— Rochelle D.

I was seen right away and Dr. Simmons and his wonderful assistant got right to the point of why I was there and analyzed my problem and set about finding a solution to it. They are wonderful

— Linda B.

I Actually Look Forward to Dental Visits! True! I have been seeing Dr. Simmons biannually for over 20 years and every single visit without exception has been up to the highest standard in every way. From the moment you walk into his beautifully appointed office you are met with genuine smiles from courteous office staff. In 20+ years I’ve never had to wait but a few moments before being seen. Dr. Simmons is kind, empathetic, adept at making you feel at ease but most importantly he is gentle. He employs awesome dental hygienists who are also gentle, kind, and very professional in demeanor and approach to handling patients. Dr. Simmons office staff members from front to back are exceptional with their pleasing personalities and willingness to be helpful with all matters. It is always a pleasure indeed to see my Dentist!

— Lorraine S.

We have been looking for a new dentist for a very long time. We are very picky and very thorough when looking for a physician.
I’m happy to say that the offices, staff and the doctor were very impressive.

— Neil A.

always a pleasure

— Jeffrey M.

A Doctor That Cares. My jaw hurt, headaches were awful, and the inside of my mouth looked like hamburger…not in a good way.
Dr. Simmons treated my TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) and the relief is fantastic. He is a problem fixer….he figures out creative ways to treat nearly impossible ailments.

— Randi B.

Dr. Simmons is very thorough and professional in his practice. He answers all questions with respect and truthfulness. The office staff are also very honest and professional. I would highly recommend Dr. Simmons dental practice.

— Lisa V.

Dr. Simmons is the best! Dr. Simmons is the most thorough dentist that has ever treated me.

— Amy M.

Extatic to have a great doctor. Great thorough doctor

— Sandy L.

Happy Longtime patient. Been going to Michael Simmons for forever and would never go anywhere else!

— Lisa L.

If you are looking for one of the best Dentists… I recently became a patient of Dr Simmon’s after facing numerous issues ranging from sleep apnea, jaw/tooth pain as well as needing a replacement crown on a moler. After being referred to Dr Simmons by my internist who holds him in the highest regard, I had immediate confidence in his diagnostic abilities, highly technical skills as well as the thorough and compassionate manner in which he and his lovely staff cares for his patients. If you are looking for someone who will provide you the highest level of care avail from basic dentistry to complex sleep issues, you should absolutely make an appt with Dr. Simmons.

— Lucy B.

Well worth the Drive. Dr Simmons and the entire staff at his office are always so welcoming and pleasant. My Wife and I come a long way for the best dental experience every single visit.

— Steven O.