Sleep Apnea

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How We Can Help With Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night. These interruptions can last for a few seconds to more than a minute and can lead to a range of negative health consequences, including daytime fatigue, memory problems, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

There are several ways to treat sleep apnea, depending on the severity of the condition. One common treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth during sleep. The mask is attached to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air to keep the airways open. Other treatments include dental appliances that help reposition the tongue and jaw to improve airflow, positional therapy that involves sleeping in a specific position, and lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess tissue from the throat or to reposition the jaw. It’s important to work with a doctor or sleep specialist to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms for Adults

Common signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults include unexplained daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, and loud snoring (with periods of silence followed by gasps). Additional symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Morning headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety and depression
  • Forgetfulness
  • Increased heart rate and/or blood pressure
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Changes in urination
  • Frequent heartburn and heavy night sweats

Adults have been found to be at higher risk if they are male, obese, of an increasing age, have anatomic abnormalities of the upper airway, have a family history of sleep apnea, use alcohol or sedatives frequently, are a smoker or experience hypertension.

Take an Adult Sleep Apnea Test

Learn more about what our patients have to say

about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Diego

jody riley
jody riley
2024-01-25
Excellent care!! !!!I feel so much better !! Thank you!!!
Mary Prendergast
Mary Prendergast
2024-01-17
I have been seeing the specialists at La Mesa's TMJ Centre since the mid-1990s when my dentist referred me to Dr. Smith. I am utterly please with the care. My headaches, jaw pain have majorly improved. I feel comfortable and confident in their care and am faithful wearing my appliances. Dr. Smith has retired and the new doctor has the same caring attitude.
Brittany Gasner
Brittany Gasner
2024-01-09
Such a beautiful office, comforting, always welcomed with smiling faces. LOVE coming in weekly for my tmj therapy with Kylee, she is so knowledgeable and listens to my needs as a patient. Great team here! Thanks Dr.Brad and crew!
Renee Wilkinson
Renee Wilkinson
2024-01-06
Wonderful staff. Clean and stylish lobby with very knowledgeable team. Genuinely cares for their patients and anyone that is there to consult with a professional on their issues. Victoria was exceptional and the doctor made me feel comfortable as I have high anxiety going to dentists/doctors.
Andrew Cross, II
Andrew Cross, II
2023-11-10
TMJ is always friendly and very helpful. They are more concerned about “YOU” as a patient and your health, than getting you in and out quickly!
Barbara Blaney
Barbara Blaney
2023-11-10
Doctors are smart, respectful and actually listen to patient needs. Supported by an amazing team of women, from the front desk to behind the scenes, who deal with patients in a kind,considerate way that is not often found at most dr's offices today.
Anthony Delgado
Anthony Delgado
2023-10-30
I recently went thru treatment for some jaw pain and popping, and had great results! I didn't have a referral at first but I was looking around online to see if I could find a professional to check out the problems I was having. You start off with a consultation and go thru several exams and testing which I felt were comprehensive and convinced me to pursue the 3 month treatment. The downside is that insurance may not cover the visits and treatment regiment, but it was definitely worth the money. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for TMJ treatment. The staff and doctor are also very friendly and knowledgeable
m s
m s
2023-10-14
Dr Sainsbury, Victoria, THANK YOU! As a fellow colleague who found herself in urgent need of help with her child, I cannot express enough gratitude or say enough about this office's mission and compassion! Although Dr Sainsbury doesn't usually see patients on Fridays, after Victoria relayed my story to him, he offered to come to the office to see my child and help in any way he could. And that he did! Dr Sainsbury was personable, clearly very knowledgeable and clear on his diagnosis and recommendations. He helped put my teen at ease immediately. Although in this case the diagnosis did not fall squarely into the TMJ realm, the attitude was not one of "sorry can't help you, bye" as is a little too often in healthcare. Dr Sainsbury clearly had a deep understanding of not only his field but the associated fields. He was sympathetic and offered pain relief services as well as take home products, self care advice and suggestions as to next steps. Everything a patient in pain (or parent of one!) would hope to find in their treating clinician! Willing and able to help! Thank you!