Physician Directory > Jerald Simmons - Director of Sleep Disorders Center, MD

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Dr. Jerald Simmons - Director of Sleep Disorders Center

Sleep Disorders Center--www.Dr-jhsimmons.com
Contact the center at: 281-297-6305 or Fax at 281-297-6436

Current Position: Medical Director for the Sadler Clinic Sleep Disorders Center
Board Certified:
American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology - 1995
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology - 1993
American Board of Sleep Medicine - 1993
Other Positions: Medical Director, New Millennium Diagnostics Inc. Lake Forest, California
Previous Position(s):
Technical Director, UCLA Sleep Disorders Center, Los Angeles, California
Director, Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory, UCLA / Olive View Medical Center Sylmar, California
Fellowships:
Sleep Disorders Medicine Stanford University Medical Center Department of Psychiatry, Stanford, CA, 1992;
Neurophysiology and Epilepsy University of California, Davis Department of Neurology Sacramento, CA, 1993
Residency: Neurology at Washington University, Barnes Hospital St. Louis, MO, 1990
Internship: Internal Medicine, Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 1987
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine Columbus, Ohio, 1986

Teaching Activities:
1999 - present UCLA College of Medicine, Medical School Lecture on Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disorders for the second year Medical Students.
Fellows trained at UCLA from 7/94 to 4/99
7/97 - 4/99 Tomoko Nakawatase, M.D. Sleep Disorders Medicine (Neurology)
1/97 - 6/98 Muhammad Alim, M.D. Sleep Disorders Medicine (Pulmonary)
8/96 - 6/97 Mark Agostini, M.D. Sleep Disorders Medicine (Neurology)
7/95 - 6/97 Christopher Mann, PhD Sleep Disorders Medicine (Psychology)
7/96 - 6/97 Sanjay Banerji, M.D. Clinical Neurophysiology (Neurology)
4/95 - 6/96 Robert Lebby, M.D. Sleep Disorders Medicine (Pulmonary)
7/95 - 6/96 Najeeb Zuberi, M.D. Clinical Neurophysiology (Neurology)
7/94 - 6/95 Nancy Lamb, M.D. Clinical Neurophysiology (Neurology)

International, National and Regional Presentations (abbreviated list):
March 11, 2000 Los Angeles, (1) "Formulating a Differential Diagnosis and the Role of Diagnostic Testing for Patients with a Sleep Complaint", and (2) "Non-Surgical Treatments for Patients with Obstructive Respirations During Sleep". 2 lectures as part of Advanced Symposium on Sleep Disorders and Sinus Disease, CME program at UCLA.

January 21, 2000 Shreveport, LA "Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with a Sleep Complaint", Neurology Grand Rounds, Louisiana State University.
November 9, 1999 The Woodlands, TX "Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with a Sleep Complaint", CME lecture at The Woodlands Convention Center.

September 19, 1997 Philipps-Universitat, Marburg Germany, 5th World Congress on Sleep Apnea, "The Chin Press/Tongue Curl Maneuver as Part of the Physical Exam on Patients Suspected of Sleep Related Obstructive Respirations".

June 14, 1997 San Francisco, CA "The Chin Press Manuever: A Method of Evaluating the Upper Airway During the Physical Exams" Associated Professional Sleep Societies 11th Annual Meeting.

June 13, 1997 San Francisco, CA "Intrathoracic Pressure Monitoring During CPAP Titration in Patients with Esophageal Reflux and OSA" Associated Professional Sleep Societies 11th Annual Meeting.

April 9, 1997 UCLA Medical Center, Neurology Grand Rounds " Sleep Physiology and how it relates to Clinical Practice"

March 4, 1997 Warner Center Hilton Hotel, LA, "Overview of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Related Breathing Disorders" Alpha Omega Dental Society Educational Lecture.

Dec. 13, 1996 Daniel Freeman Hospital, LA, "Differential Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders"

Nov. 14, 1996 Robert F. Kennedy Medical Center, LA., "Insomnia/Sleep Disorders"

Oct. 29, 1996 Lompoc Community Hospital, "Approach to the patient with a sleep complaint"

Oct. 26, 1996 California Graduate Institute, Guest Lecturer " Approach to the Patient with a Sleep Complaint" concluding lecture of a two day course coordinated by Dr. Chris Mann titled "Psychological Impact of Sleep Disorders", California Graduate Institute Westwood

Oct. 24, 1996 Olive View - UCLA Neurology Grand Rounds, "Approach to the Patient with a Sleep Complaint"

Sept. 20, 1996 Rapid City Regional Hospital, South Dakota, "Importance of Sleep in the Control and Treatment of Epilepsy" and "Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Complaints" as part of a CME course titled "Advances in Sleep Medicine"
June 17, 1996 Encino Hospital, LA, "Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Complaints"

June 10, 1996 Wadsworth VA, Medical Grand Rounds, "The Physiology and Treatment of Sleep Disorders"

June 1, 1996 Poster presentation, "Evaluating the Upper Airway During the Physical Exam with the Chin Press Maneuver", Association of Professional Sleep Societies annual national meeting, Washington D.C.

May 21, 1996 Southern California Psychiatric Society Inalnd Region's educational program, "Differential Diagnosis of Sleep Complaints", Rama Garden

May 8, 1996 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "Breathing Disorders During Sleep", Central City Broiler, Santa Maria, CA

May 7, 1996 UCLA Epilepsy Journal Club, "Overview of sleep physiology and the impact of sleep fragmentation"

April 8, 1996 USC Medical Center, "Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Complaints"

April 2, 1996 Academy of Family Physicians, Orange County CA Chapter, educational lecture "Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Complaints"

Feb. 8, 1996 Sepulveda VA Medicine, "Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Disorders"

Jan. 18, 1996 Menifee Valley Medical Center, Menifee, CA, "Sleep Disorders"

Dec. 17, 1995 Long Beach Memorial Hospital, LA, " Differential Diagnosis of Insomnia"

Dec. 7, 1995 Henry Mayo Hospital, Newhall, CA, " Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Complaints"

Nov. 16, 1995 Annenberg Center / Eisenhower Medical Center, Palm Desert, CA, "Differential Diagnosis of Sleep Complaints"

Oct. 24, 1995 OliveView-UCLA Neurology Grand Rounds, "Neurophysiology of sleep "

Oct. 20, 1995 FHP Charter Community Hospital, LA, "Geriatric Sleep Disorders"

Oct. 19, 1995 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "Differential Diagnosis of Sleep Complaints", La Grotte Restaurant Long Beach, CA

Oct. 12, 1995 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "Differential Diagnosis of Sleep Complaints", Ritz Carlton, Dana Point, CA

Oct. 6, 1995 UCLA Neurology Chief of Service Rounds, "REM Sleep Behavior Disorder"

Sept. 27, 1995 Corona Regional Medical Center, "Chronic Fatigue and Sleep Disorders"

Sept. 14, 1995 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "Differential Diagnosis of Sleep Complaints", Mortons Old Chicago Steak House, Santa Ana, CA

Aug. 28, 1995 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Insomnia", White House Restaurant, Anaheim, CA

July 31, 1995 Bellflower Medical Center, LA, " Insomnia and Its Treatments : Prevalence & Correlates"

July 25, 1995 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Insomnia", The Pinot Bistro, Studio City, CA

June 21, 1995 UCLA Neurology Grand Rounds, "Tumor Induced Central Neurogenic Hyperventilation"

June 8, 1995 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "Integrated Approach to Sleep Disorders Management", The Verdugo Club Glendale, CA

June 3, 1995 Platform presentation, "Increases in Interhemispheric EEG Coherence with Stage One Sleep", Association of Professional Sleep Societies annual national meeting, Nashville , TN

May 25, 1995 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "The Diagnosis and Management of Insomnia", The Tower Club Oxnard, CA

May 25, 1995 Simi Valley Hospital, "Overview of Sleep Disorders and Their Impact on Society"

May 23, 1995 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "Integrated Approach to Sleep Disorders Management", LA Athletic Club Los Angeles, CA

May 18, 1995 Olive View Medical Center, LA, " Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Complaints"

April 17, 1995. Valley Presbyterian Hospital, LA, "An overview of Sleep Disorders"

April 13, 1995 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "Overview of Sleep Disorders and their Impact on Society", Gaetano's Restaurant Calabasas, CA

March 30, 1995 French Hospital, St. Luis Obispo , CA, "Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Insomnia"

March 23, 1995 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "Integrated Approach to Sleep Management", Stockdale Country Club, Bakersfield, CA

March 23, 1995 Kern Medical Center Bakersfield, CA, "Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of Insomnia"

March 15, 1995 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "Insomnia: Role of Age and Stress", Jimmy's Restaurant, Beverly Hills, LA

Jan. 30, 1995 Good Samaritan Hospital, LA , " An update on sleep disorders"

Nov. 23, 1994 UCLA Neurology Resident Journal Club Lecture "Narcolepsy, Sleep Disorders, and Sleep Studies"

Nov. 22, 1994 Physician Attended Dinner Lecture, "Comprehensive Approach in the Treatment of Insomnia", Boccaccio's Restaurant Westlake Village, CA

June 20, 1993 Poster presentation "Interhemispheric EEG coherence as a measure of Sleep Disruption", Association of Professional Sleep Societies annual national meeting, Los Angeles, CA

June 18, 1993 Platform presentation "Use of a water filled catheter for measurement of respiratory effort during sleep", Association of Professional Sleep Societies annual national meeting, Los Angeles, CA

Television Interviews (abbreviated list):
February 21, 1997 KTLA Morning News, interview on Snoring, Sleep Apnea, and the many ways to cure the problem, Michele Ruiz - reporter.

February 4, 1997 NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, "Sleepless in America" segment on Insomnia.

Nov. 1996 EXTRA, "Problems in the night, such as Sleep Apnea", syndicated show and aired across the country at different times.

1995 and 1996 Health Quest, one of several physicians on a panel for a three part series on Sleep Disorders, filmed in Los Vegas NV, syndicated show and aired in several places across the country.

Spring 1996 News clip interview, "Sleeping Easier", aired several times, KCAL, Channel 9, L.A.

November 1995 News clip interview by Ellen Leyva, "Melatonin - Special Report", KABC Channel 7 Eye Witness News, L.A.

May 1995 News clip interview by medical corespondent Bruce Hensel, "Snoring and Sleep Apnea", aired several times, KNBC, Channel 4, L.A.

Autumn of 1994 News clip interview by Kelly Mack, "Drowsy Driving", aired several times, KNBC, Channel 4, L.A.

Autumn of 1994 Susan Summers Talk Show, "Insomnia", Syndicated program.

July 1994 Good Day LA, Live Interview with medical corespondent Tom Linden, M.D., "Snoring, what it means and what to do about it", KTTV Fox Network.

Community Based Lectures (abbreviated list):
Sept. 26, 1996 Stanford Professional Women's Organization Los Angeles Chapter September meeting lecture, "Is Your Life In Balance- - An overview on the importance of sleep", UCLA Faculty Club.

March 15, 1996 Beverly Hills Highschool Health Day, "Common Sleep Problems."

March 7, 1996 San Fernando Employee Assistance Professionals Association lecture, " Sleep Disorders in the Workplace", Odyssey Restaurant Granada Hills.

Jan. 18, 1996 Sigma XI, Scientific Research Society, Hughes Laboratory Chapter, "The Impact of Sleep Disorders on Society, and the Technical Challenges Facing Sleep Disorders Medicine."

Dec. 6, 1996 UCLA Auxiliary Board educational lecture, "Sleep Disorders, and the UCLA Sleep Disorders Program."

March 7, 1995 San Fernando Employee Assistance Professionals Association lecture, "Sleep Disorders in the Workplace", Odyssey Restaurant Granada Hills

Clinical Research Activities:
3/97 - Present: Principle investigator. National Institute of Health Small Business accepted for award Technology Transfer Program "Micro Esophageal Respiratory Catheter beginning in 1998 for Sleep testing. Objective: To use Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology in an esophageal respiratory catheter to enhance the sensitivity of diagnostic sleep studies. STTR Grant 1R41HL/NS/AG58294

12/96 - Present: Working with railroad engineers to evaluate the effects of shift work on drowsiness in the work place. Key investigator on a NIH funded study developing a drowsiness detection system for use in automobiles.

7/96 - Present: Co-investigator, "Electrographic activity recorded with depth electrodes within various cerebral structures of Humans during the different stages of sleep", PI Charles Wilson, Ph.D., Department of Neurology UCLA - pilot study.

7/96 - Present: Co-investigator, "Neurotransimmter fluctuations within various cerebral structures of Humans during the different stages of sleep", PI Charles Wilson, Ph.D., Department of Neurology UCLA - pilot study.

6/96 - Present: Evaluating the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and nocturnal esophageal reflux. Currently performing an outcomes analysis of resolution of nocturnal reflux after treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea.

8/95 - 9/97 Evaluating new clinical approaches to treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea using newly developed auto-titrating CPAP machines. This work is being performed at Olive View - UCLA Medical Center and using equipment provided by ResMed Inc.

6/95 - 12/98 Evaluated a newly describe component of the physical exam, which we named the "Chin Press Maneuver", as an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea". This work has been presented at several conferences and a manuscript is in preparation for submission.

1994 - 1995 Implemented a new procedure at UCLA Sleep Disorders Laboratory for providing esophageal pressure monitoring (see 2/92 listing above). This procedure utilizes a small, soft, water catheter rather than the standard (larger) esophageal balloon used in most pulmonary labs. This allows for the nightly monitoring of airway resistance and respiratory effort during sleep studies, which is superior to the standard strain gauge transducers use in most sleep laboratories.

1993 - 1995 Clinical Neurophysiology Report Tracking database. This database was constructed to provide the Neurology Clinic all patient reports from the Neurophysiology Laboratory. The reports are displayed on a notebook computer brought to the clinic each week.

1993 - 1995 Developed a digital EEG system at Olive View - UCLA Medical Center. The system is currently used for routine EEG recordings. The system allows for digital reformatting of the patient EEG data, thus extracting additional information from the studies. Written in the C programming language.

2/92 Established and implemented a protocol at the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic for the routine utilization of esophageal pressure monitoring during diagnostic sleep studies. This system utilizes a small, soft, water catheter rather than the standard (larger) esophageal balloon used in most pulmonary labs. This allows for the nightly monitoring of airway resistance and respiratory effort during sleep studies.

8/91 - Present: Developing computer programs which quantify EEG signal activity from digitized polygraphic studies. Utilizing such programs to identify arousals and microarousal patterns of sleep and daytime drowsiness, and to statistical correlate these with other physiological parameters.

9/88 - 6/90 Evaluating cognitive evoked potential abnormalities along with neuro-cognitive deficits in patients after cerebral trauma. Department of Neurology, St .Louis University Hospital.

7/87 - 5/88 Long Latency Evoked Potential Abnormalities in Post Head Traumatic Patients Suffering with Cephalgia. Advisory role in collaboration with the Michigan Headache and Neurologic Institute, Ann Arbor MI.

4/85 -5/85 Investigating the topography of the P300-ERP wave form and its raw data frequency characteristics in normal adults, utilizing Brain Electrical Activity Mapping. Harvard University, BEAM laboratory under the direction of Dr. Frank Duffy.

6/83 - 3/85 Developed a microcomputer EEG evoked potential system for studying the P300 wave form in a college age dyslexic. The Ohio State University.

11/82 - 6/83 Developed a computer database to monitor variables in patients with cerebral aneurysms to improve patient management for the Division of Neurosurgery at the Ohio State University Hospital under the direction of Dr. William Hunt.
Publications (abbreviated list):
Simmons J.H. Abstract "Two cases in which obstructive respirations resolved by treating PLMS" Sleep, Vol 21, April 15 (supp) p 61 (1998).

Simmons J.H. Abstract "A simple EEG montage for routine NPSG testing which is an improvement from the current standard" Sleep, Vol 21, April 15 (supp) p 185 (1998).

Simmons, JH "Diagnostic sleep testing in the evaluation of snoring and sleep apnea", Journal of the California Dental Association, Vol26 No 8 pp 566-571 (1998).

Simmons, J.H., Mann, C.A., Gulliminault, C. "The Chin Press/Tongue Curl Maneuver as Part of the Physical Exam on Patients Suspected of Sleep Related Obstructive Respirations." Somnologie (1997) 1 (Suppl. 2), 1-56.

Mann, C.A., Simmons, J.H., Wilson, C., Engel J., Bragin A, EEG in human hippocampus, amygdala, and entorhinal cortex during REM and Non-REM sleep. Sleep Research Vol.26, 1997.

Simmons, J.H., Mann, C., Banerji, S. Intrathoracic Pressure Monitoring During CPAP Titration in Patients with Esophageal Reflux and OSA. Sleep Research Vol 26, 1997.

Simmons, J.H., Mann, C., Lebby, R. The Chin Press Manuever: A Method of Evaluating the Upper Airway During the Physical Exams, Sleep Research Vol 26, 1997.

Simmons J., Mann C., Zuberi N., Lebby R., and Shellock F., "Abstract - "Evaluating the Upper Airway During the Physical Exam with the Chin Press Maneuver". Sleep Research, 1996 Vol. 24 p. 269.

Simmons J., Mann, C, Abstract "Increases in Interhemispheric EEG Coherence with Stage One Sleep". Sleep Research, 1995 Vol. 23 p. 196.

Guilleminault C., Stoohs R., Labanowski M., Simmons J., Clerk A., Cardiac Failure, Snoring, Ventricular Arrhythmias and Nasal Bi-level Positive Pressure Ventilation. Sleep, 1993; Vol 16, No 8, Supp. pp S139-S140.

Guilleminault C., Stoohs R., Clerk A., Simmons J., Labanowski M.. Excessive Daytime Somnolence in Women with Abnormal Respiratory Effort During Sleep. Sleep, 1993; Vol 16, No 8, Supp. pp S137-S138.

Guilleminault C., Clerk A., Labanowski M., Simmons J., Stoohs R., Cardiac Failure and Benzodiazepines. Sleep, 1993; Vol 16, No 6, pp 524-528.

Guilleminault C., Stoohs R., Skrobal A., Labanowski M., Simmons J., Upper Airway Resistance in Infants at Risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The Journal of Pediatrics, 1993: Vol 122, No 6, pp 881-886.

Guilleminault C., Stoohs R., Clerk A., Simmons J., Labanowski M., From Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome to Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome: Consistency of Daytime Sleepiness. Sleep, 1992; Vol 15, No 6, Supp. pp S13-S16.

Simmons J., Black J., Guilleminault C., Abstract interhemispheric EEG coherence as a measure of Sleep Disruption". Sleep Research, 1993: Vol. 22 p.275.

Simmons J., Guilleminault C., Abstract "Use of a water filled catheter for measurement of respiratory effort during sleep ". Sleep Research, 1993: Vol. 22 p 387.

Simmons, J.H., Book review "Phasic Events and Dynamic Organization of Sleep" Edited by M.G. Terzano. Sleep, 1992; Vol 15, No 1, p.82.

Saper J.R.,Turkewitz J.,Simmons J.H.,Levin M., Abstract- "Abnormal Event-related Potentials (P-300) in Postconcussion Syndrome". Neurology, March 1988, Vol. 38, No 3, Supp 1, 355-356.

Drake M.E.,Simmons J.H.,Languis M.L., Abstract- "Event Related Potentials in Dyslexia". Clinical Electroencephalography, Jan 1988, Vol 20, No 1, pp 75-76.

Simmons J.H.,Languis M.,Drake M.E. Abstract-"Differences in the P300-wave in Dyslexics Compared to Controls". EEG Clin. Neurophys. June 1985.

Simmons J.H.,Mathews R, Abstract-"Tests for gamma-glutamyl amino acids as Transport Intermediates in the S37 cell"., The Ohio Journal of Science, 1980.
Dr. Simmons has reviewed articles for the following journals: Sleep; Neurology; Electroencephalography & Clinical Neurophysiology & Psychiatry Times

Awards/Service/Membership:Honors in Neurology Research, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 1985; Landacre Research Society, 1985; Samuel Roessler Memorial Medical Scholarship, 1983 - 1984; Olive View - UCLA Medical Center Education and Research Institute Seed Grant Award. "Computerized Analysis of Brain Electrical Activity during wakefulness and sleep.", 1994

Hobbies/Interests:Dr. Simmons has taught himself programming in C, Basic and DBase III which he has integrated into his sleep lab system. He also enjoys playing the Guitar and Piano.

Quote:

Sleep disorders are common in our society and yet most physicians were taught little about this area of medicine in their medical training. This is a new, yet important, field and it is my job to help educate physicians and the population in general about the importance of a good night's sleep. It is time the medical community wakes up to the reality that good health needs to include good sleep.