Sleep Center

 

History

Pacific Pulmonary Medical Group Sleep Center is recognized for its dedication to excellent patient care. In 2012, our state-of-the-art facility was opened in the Riverwalk Medical Plaza in Riverside, CA. Our AASM accredited sleep center has 6 luxurious sleep rooms, and treats more than 1,500 adults each year, including patients from all of the surrounding counties.

Our Sleep technologists work as part of a team under the general supervision of our board certified sleep physicians to assist in the education, evaluation, treatment and follow-up of sleep disorders patients . They are specially trained to perform polysomnography and other tests used by a physician to diagnose and treat sleep disorders.They will guide and inform you of all procedures and make your stay as comfortable as possible as they obtain information while you sleep.

Dr. El-Bershawi, Dr. Harianawala and Dr. Mojaverian are diplomates of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and possess extensive knowledge in obstructive sleep apnea and its relation to cardiovascular changes. At our 6 bed sleep center, we are available to conduct sleep studies seven nights a week and available during weekdays for sleep consultations (virtual appointments available).

Our mission is to help those who have trouble sleeping and suffer from sleep disorders attain restful sleep. Through effective education, diagnoses, and treatment, we help thousands of patients overcome their sleep disorders to achieve better health.

Our team is committed to:

  • Helping patients get the best service and outcomes available.
  • Providing the highest standards in quality care and patient satisfaction.
  • Educating patients and professionals about sleep disorders.
  • Improving sleep health in all of our patients.

What is a sleep disorder?

If you suffer from a sleep disorder, the odds are you don’t know it unless your bed partner has complained to you. Your bed partner probably will see the symptoms before you do. Symptoms can include:

  • Periods observed by your bed partner during which you stop breathing
  • Snoring
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of concentration
  • Irritability
  • Morning headaches
  • Restless sleep
  • Frequent nighttime urination
  • Falling asleep at inappropriate times
  • Frequent awakening
  • Involuntary night time leg movements

Are sleep disorders serious?

Nearly one out of every 10 Americans experiences chronic, debilitating and perhaps life-threatening sleep disorders. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders. Sleep apnea refers to episodes during which you stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer. You can do this hundreds of times each night without being aware of the episodes. When you suffer from sleep apnea, oxygen levels in the body fall and sleep may be disrupted by arousals. Loud, irregular snoring is usually the most noticeable sign of this disorder. OSA has been associated with high blood pressure, headaches, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack), chronic fatigue and even death. It can become more severe over time.

What is a sleep study?

sleep studyPacific Pulmonary Medical Group Sleep Center offers the latest technology in diagnosing sleep disorders in a comfortable setting. During an overnight sleep study (polysomnogram), different electrodes are placed to connect you to monitoring equipment that will record brain activity, eye movements, and muscle activity. Additional sensors are placed around the nose, chest, and abdomen to record breathing patterns. On the night of the study, you will be asked to come by our sleep center between 8:00pm and 9:00pm to prepare for the test. You will be allowed to go to sleep at your usual bedtime in a private sleep room. If no other tests are scheduled, you will be free to leave the center in the morning between 6:00 and 7:00am.

 

Types of Sleep Disorders

  • Insomnia – Characterized as difficulty falling or staying asleep, which is often a symptom of a separate issue and can be caused by a number of factors.
  • Narcolepsy – Defined as episodes of excessive drowsiness during the day with a tendency to sleep at inappropriate times.
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome – Indicated by extremely loud snoring for about 5 percent of particularly overweight, middle-aged men.
  • Restless Leg Syndrome – A neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move one’s limbs, which disrupts an individual’s ability to stay asleep at night and function normally during the day.
  • REM Sleep Behavior Disorder – Rapid Eye Movement (REM) is a naturally occurring sleep phase and this disorder relates to abnormal behavior during REM sleep. Behavior is often in response to the content of the individual’s dreams while sleeping.
  • Sleep Apnea – Breathing stops temporarily during sleep, sometimes associated with loud snoring, restless sleep, and gasping for air. Sleep apnea can increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart attacks, diabetes and stroke.
  • Sleepwalking -This parasomnia behavior tends to affect children and sometimes adults. Sleepwalking can be caused by an underlying sleep disruption, which can be dangerous to patients or their bed partner. Evaluating underlying causes of sleepwalking is important in treating this medical condition.

Our Services

Our physicians are certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine, and are devoted to providing the highest level of care. Your physician can either refer you to us for a consultation with a sleep study or just the sleep study. Your physician can also direct the entire process, going over test findings and recommendations with you. We provide timely results and are committed to providing you with the best healthcare possible.

  • Sleep Consultations – Individual evaluation with a Board Certified Sleep Specialist.
  • Polysomnography (PSG) – An overnight sleep study in which sleep stages and breathing are monitored.
  • Split Night Study – Combination of both a PSG and CPAP study. If severe apnea is seen during the first 2 hours of sleep, CPAP will be applied.
  • CPAP Titration Study (CPAP/BIPAP) – (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) The most effective treatment for sleep apnea.
  • MSLT Study – Daytime test that evaluates daytime sleepiness and is a rule-out for Narcolepsy.
  • MWT Study – Measure the ability of a person to stay awake.
  • Home Sleep testing
  • DOT Sleep Evaluation for Truck Drivers
  • CPAP/BiPAP Clinic – Dedicated time by our Respiratory Therapist to ensure you have support to properly use and benefit from the care you were provided.

What shall I do next?

Please feel free to take the Quick Sleep Questionnaire  which will provide us with more information about your sleep problem(s) and usual sleep patterns so that we can better serve you.  In most cases, your first appointment will be a consultation with one of our sleep specialists. This consultation requires a careful review of your medical history to ensure that you get the best medical care possible.

A sleep study might be necessary to assist in diagnosing the severity and type of sleep apnea or other sleep disorder. After the Sleep Study is completed, our physician will be able to provide the appropriate treatment to help you achieve healthy sleep. Contact us at (951) 781-3672 to schedule your consultation appointment today!

Our Promise to you:

  • Board certified physicians whose knowledge of the field allows for the most thorough and comprehensive patient care.
  • Expert staff dedicated to provide clinical and technical expertise of the highest quality.
  • Comprehensive, compassionate and customized approach to patient care to ensure your treatment plan addresses your unique needs or concerns.
  • Professional work ethic involving direct oversight and direction of all clinical operations by our sleep medicine physicians to ensure that the quality of care provided is of the highest standard.
  • Timely sleep evaluations sent to referring physicians, followed by long-term management and coordinated care.
  • Treatment compliance/adherence program to ensure successful sleep disorder(s) management.
  • Help you feel more rested. We understand how important your sleep is to your health and happiness and are prepared to help.