Sleep Disorders Center

Specialized facility for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.

Who are we?
The Sleep Disorders Center at Sharp Grossmont Hospital is a specialized outpatient facility for the evaluation and treatment of patients with problems relating to sleep and wakefulness. The center is staffed by a sleep specialist trained in sleep disorders and pulmonology. Specialists in neurology, ear, nose and throat surgery and psychiatry are available for patient referral.

The Sleep Disorders Center diagnoses and treats a full range of sleep disorders, including:

  • Heavy snoring
  • Narcolepsy
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Sleep apnea
  • Other sleep-wake cycle disturbances

How are sleep disorders diagnosed?
All patients are referred by their physician. The first step is for the patient to complete a comprehensive sleep questionnaire, which a sleep specialist reviews. In a percentage of cases, the patient can be referred to another specialist after completing the questionnaire, without a sleep study being necessary. This is true in the cases of chronic insomnia, depression or underlying medical problems.

If a sleep disorder is suspected, a sleep study can be ordered. This involves an overnight stay in one of our comfortable outpatient rooms. During your stay, your brain waves will be recorded by our state-of-the-art EEG machine. A sleep specialist will study the report, called a polysomnogram, to see if you reached all the stages of sleep or had frequent sleep interruptions. A microphone and closed circuit television provide other clues about heavy snoring (sometimes a sign of sleep apnea) and unusual body movement. Finally, an airflow recording with oximetry monitors your breathing, noting obstructed breathing, number of partial or complete breath holds and oxygen level. An electrocardiogram monitors your heart rate and rhythm.

Treatment
Depending on the sleep disorder that is diagnosed, treatment may include surgery, medical devices, behavior modification or medication.

Contacting Us
Sleep assessment is provided with physician referral only. To contact the Sleep Disorders Center directly, please call 619-740-4488.

Last Updated: August 21, 2009