Obstructive sleep apnea, which is sometimes referred to as OSA, is a serious medical condition characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep. A type of breathing disorder, sleep apnea can be potentially life threatening. Officials estimate 10 million Americans have the condition but have not been diagnosed. Sleep apnea occurs when the airway is obstructed during sleep, cutting off airflow and decreasing oxygenation. Snoring is also caused by airway obstructions during sleep. Males are generally more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than females; children can also have sleep apnea. Your risk for sleep apnea may be increased by:

• A small or recessed jaw; narrowed airway
• Use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers
• Advancing age
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Nasal Congestion

In addition to interrupting sleep, sleep apnea can lead to uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, and other medical problems, including problems with your respiratory, immune and nervous system. At Powell TMJ & Sleep Solutions, we work with your sleep physician and with you to provide services that can effectively treat sleep apnea and minimize snoring. For more information about sleep apnea treatment in Boise, Idaho, and to schedule a consultation with our experienced doctor, Dr. Pamela Powell, we welcome you to call us today at 208-344-2593.