Sleep Apnea Clinic in Boise, Idaho

The Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ is a dental clinic dedicated to helping you with sleep apnea, snoring, and TMJ pain. It’s time to smile again as you finally get a good night’s rest!

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What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is when the airway collapses (or partially collapses) during sleep, blocking or limiting the flow of air to the lungs.

The person tries to continue to breathe, but the harder they try, the tighter the airway closes.

Eventually the brain “wakes up” the person to a lighter level of sleep and the person will reposition their jaw and tongue to open the airway—usually with a gasp or snort.

The sleeper will then usually start the whole process over again. This can happen hundreds of times per night!

Stages of Sleep

Obviously, being suffocated many times per hour will result in a less than restful sleep. Sleep is broken into four main stages:

Stage One —Transition Sleep: This should account for roughly 5% of total sleep time.
Stage Two—Light Sleep: This should account for about 45% of total sleep time.
Stage Three—Deep Sleep: This is when the body heals itself and performs many important reparative functions. Ideally, this should account for 25% of total sleep time. People who have a lack of deep sleep tend to be physically tired.

REM—Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep: This is where most of your memorable dreaming comes from for the night. REM should also account for about 25% of your sleep time. People that have a lack of REM sleep tend to feel mentally tired and have a difficult time concentrating.

It is crucial that we get the necessary amount of deep sleep and REM sleep so that we can live happy, healthy lives. Contact our sleep apnea clinic today! (208) 376-3600.

Why Choose us for Sleep Apnea Treatment

in Boise, Idaho

For adults, that means at least 7 hours per night, about one-third of us don't get enough sleep. As a result, you may develop serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, depression, and obesity. Sleep apnea, which is the stopping and starting of breathing while you sleep, is a significant contributor to poor sleep. Fortunately, it can be treated.

Before a general physician, dentists may frequently identify symptoms of sleep apnea. During a routine examination and discussion of your health issues or pains, our sleep apnea doctor at The Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ in Meridian may notice signs of sleep apnea and investigate therapy options. For individuals looking for safe and efficient treatment for sleep apnea, our doctor is the go-to medical professional.

Long-lasting amazing results are something our sleep apnea doctor wants you to experience with our sleep apnea treatment. They can act before the issue worsens if they observe any indications or symptoms of any appliance-related problems. They could suggest different forms of treatment or change the fit or placement of the oral appliance.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

in Boise, ID

Lifestyle changes – Our doctor will evaluate your habits and suggest lifestyle changes to help improve your health.

CPAP Equipment - Muscles in your throat can relax to the point where soft tissues obstruct your airway, causing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The most effective treatment for it is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

BiPAP device - Similar to a CPAP device, a BiPAP machine delivers a stream of air to keep your airways open while you sleep. BiPAP is also known as BPAP.

Oral devices (MADs) - Oral appliances (also called mandibular advancement devices) can be as effective as CPAP machines for treating sleep apnea, for the right cases.

Our team at The Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ in Meridian are happy to facilitate consultations, so call our sleep disorder center to book an appointment to discuss your obstructive sleep apnea treatment options.

Sleep Apnea is a serious medical concern. Find out how we can help.

Is sleep apnea genetic?

What are my treatment options?

What is AHI?

Frequently Asked Questions

How does sleep apnea affect my overall health?

Sleep apnea can worsen other health problems by causing intermittent drops in blood oxygen levels, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular disorders. In addition, the disrupted sleep patterns associated with sleep apnea can also lead to daytime fatigue, depression, and poor concentration, which can negatively impact overall health and well-being.
Does sleep apnea occur in children?
Sleep apnea also affects children. Usually, this is due to the child having large tonsils that obstruct the airway; just like in adults, often snoring is a sign of an obstructed airway. Some of the problems common in children that have been linked to sleep apnea include:
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Mood disorders
- Bedwetting
- Problems learning
- Growth problems
How does sleep apnea affect my bed partner?

Sleep apnea can also adversely affect the sleep of the bed partner of the person with sleep apnea. Please click the link to read a study done by the Mayo Clinic on the effect of Sleep Apnea and Snoring on the Bed Partner on the bed partner.
How is sleep apnea treated?

Oral appliance therapy has become a widely used and accepted method of treating sleep-disordered breathing. The gold standard therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Although CPAP is usually very effective in treating OSA, there are many patients who are not able to tolerate its use. If you have tried to use CPAP but have given up on using the therapy, an oral appliance may be for you.

The quality of your sleep greatly affects your quality of life. The good news is that help is readily available from a sleep apnea clinic and usually doesn’t require medications. If you think you may have sleep apnea or you know someone who might, please ask us for a referral to a qualified sleep specialist in your area, or talk to your primary care doctor. Treating sleep apnea can add more life to your years and more years to your life.
What are the long term effects of untreated sleep apnea?
- Daytime drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Increased risk of diabetes and heart disease
- Focusing issues
- Frequent headaches
- Increased likelihood of a car accident
- Causing your bed partner's lack of sleep to lead to health issues
Who is most likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea?

• Men
• Elderly
• Being overweight or obese
• Heavy smokers
• Habitual drinkers
• Those leading sedentary lifestyles
• Patients with overbites
• Those who have exceptionally big necks
What are commonly related health issues?

Sleep apnea can worsen other health problems by causing intermittent drops in blood oxygen levels, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular disorders. In addition, the disrupted sleep patterns associated with sleep apnea can also lead to daytime fatigue, depression, and poor concentration, which can negatively impact overall health and well-being.