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Questions and Answers About Sleep

Jerald H Simmons MD:
Triple-Board Certified in Neurology, Epilepsy and Sleep Disorders Medicine

Jerald H Simmons MD: Triple-Board Certified in Neurology, Epilepsy and Sleep Disorders MedicineA nationally recognized leader in Sleep Disorders with over 20 years of experience in academic and private settings, Dr. Simmons began his Neurology training at Washington University in St. Louis and went on to study Sleep Medicine at Stanford University, the nation’s premier program for Sleep Medicine training and where the Sleep Disorders field originated as a medical specialty. He later studied Epilepsy at the University of California–Davis, after which he was recruited by the UCLA Department of Neurology where he Co-Directed the Sleep Disorders Center for six years.

 

In 1999, Dr. Simmons was recruited to establish and direct the Sadler Clinic Sleep Disorders Center in The Woodlands. Seeing a greater need for treating sleep disorders throughout the metropolitan Houston area, he established Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates (CSMA), an outreach program with offices in the Houston Medical Center and Sugar Land. Dr. Simmons has been repeatedly recognized by H Texas Magazine as a Top Doctor for his outstanding patient care and ability to assess and help alleviate sleep disturbances.

Jerald H Simmons MD

Past Questions and Answers by Sleep Expert Dr. Simmons

  • What is the PES?
    The PES is a method of measuring the effort of breathing. It stands for Pressure in the Esophagus and it measures exactly that, the pressure in the esophagus. As a person increases the effort of breathing there is a corresponding increase in the vacuum created within the chest (negative pressure) and this is measured by a catheter in the esophagus. This is the most reliable method of measuring the effort of breathing during sleep. Disorders such as the Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome in many patients can only be accurately diagnosed with the PES.
  • Why would a patient need the PES?
    Some patients have breathing problems that are not accurately detected using the standard methods of sleep testing. Using the PES provides a more accurate method of breathing measurement and it is sometimes necessary in order to establish a proper diagnosis. See a video of pediatric PES here: Pediatric PES placement
  • What is Video EEG monitoring?
    Video EEG monitoring is an extended type of EEG (brain wave measurement), with about 16 EEG electrodes placed on the scalp. This provides a more detailed assessment of brain wave activity and is needed to properly assess the brain waves when there is a concern of possible seizures. Routine sleep testing does not provide enough EEG channels to properly evaluate for seizure events.
  • What is Board Certification in Sleep Medicine?
    In order to demonstrate proper training in Sleep Medicine a physician should take the Sleep Board exam. Many doctors who are providing sleep testing services to patients are NOT board certified as sleep specialists.

See our bruxism page for a more comprehensive explanation of TMJ / TMD and sleep. My research has been presented at national medical conferences and I work with a large network of dentists across Houston to properly treat this problem.

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