About Us
The USC Sleep Disorders Program offers comprehensive sleep disorder evaluations. Individuals with sleep irregularities manifested by symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, witnessed apneas, morning headaches, insomnia, and abnormal nocturnal movements or behaviors would benefit from a comprehensive sleep evaluation. The sleep disorders evaluation begins with a thorough history and physical examination and, if indicated, preparations are made for a formal sleep study. The program offers attended standard sleep studies, CPAP titration sleep studies, and multiple sleep latency studies, all performed with state-of-the-art equipment.FAQ on Obstructive Sleep Apnea
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
OSA is a common sleep condition in which intermittent airway blockage interferes with normal breathing. Plain snoring is a similar process but not severe
enough to cause significant airway obstruction. People who suffer from OSA usually snore but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
How common is sleep apnea?
According to National Institutes of Health, 12 million Americans- close to 5% of the population- suffer from sleep apnea. Among middle aged men,
this condition may be affecting more than 1 in every 10 individuals. Obstructive sleep apnea is indeed very common.
I snore. Do I have sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by airway obstruction during sleep. Snoring may be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing. However, not everybody
who snores has sleep apnea. The only certain way to know for sure is by performing a sleep study.
What is a sleep study?
A sleep study- also called polysomnography- is a comprehensive sleep monitoring test performed at a specialized sleep laboratory. It is noninvasive- no pain or
significant discomfort involved. You spend the night in bed the same way you do at home. A number of electrodes will be attached to your skin to monitor sleep
stages, brain activity, breathing and other parameters. During the study, sleep quality is measured as well as various factors interfering with it.
What are other common symptoms of sleep apnea besides snoring?
A common and often quite debilitating sign of sleep apnea is day-time sleepiness. People suffering from sleep apnea also complain of fatigue, lack of energy and
morning headaches. Sleep apnea causes sleep fragmentation, which leads to poor quality sleep and the above mentioned symptoms. It is important to know, however, that due
to great individual variability, even people with severe sleep apnea may not have any symptoms.
My bed partner tells me I stop breathing intermittently for several seconds in my sleep. Is that sleep apnea?
Yes. This is a typical presentation of sleep apnea.
I suspect I have sleep apnea. However, I feel perfectly fine. I am not sleepy or have any other symptoms. Should I have myself tested?
Unfortunately, sleep apnea can have a negative impact on your health in more ways than one. Sleep apnea is a known risk factor for developing cardiovascular and metabolic conditions like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, etc.
Even if asymptomatic, it may have unpredictable long-term consequences not unlike the way
diet, life style and high cholesterol do.
I have heard that sleep apnea only affects obese people. Is that true?
No. Sleep apnea is much more common in overweight individuals but anybody can develop sleep disordered breathing.
What is the treatment for sleep apnea?
There are different options but the most effective and most commonly used treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP is a small device connected to
a mask that is placed on the person's face at night. It provides constant flow that prevents the upper airway from collapsing. CPAP should not be confused
with oxygen. Oxygen is generally not necessary for sleep apnea. Besides CPAP, there are other treatment options including surgery in selected cases. Weight loss
is desirable and generally very helpful in the management of sleep apnea.
I want to get tested. What do I do?
For Los Angeles area, call USC Internal Medicine- (323) 442-5100 and ask for an appointment to see a sleep specialist. You will need to be seen and examined. If
necessary a sleep study will be scheduled during your visit. You can always discuss your concerns with your primary care doctor as well and ask for advice.
Appointments
To schedule a sleep evaluation, call the USC Sleep Disorders Program- (323) 442-5100 and ask for an appointment to see a sleep specialist. During your visit, you will be examined and you will get a chance to discuss your concerns. A sleep study will be scheduled if deemed necessary. We are located at:
Forum
Do you have a question you would like to discuss? Join our online discussion forum on sleep disorders moderated by USC sleep physicians. Please keep in mind that our online community is not a substitute for a face-to-face medical evaluation and does not consitute a patient-doctor relationship.
