Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that requires proper diagnosis by a medical doctor or a board-certified sleep practitioner. If you experience chronic snoring, daytime fatigue or frequent waking at night, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Dr. Pamela Powell can help you recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and will work with a board-certified sleep physician on your behalf through Empower Sleep to get you a diagnosis and determine the right type of treatment for your needs.

The Importance of a Sleep Study

A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, is the most reliable way to diagnose sleep apnea. This test can be conducted in the comfort of your home using an at-home sleep apnea study device. During a sleep study, various sensors monitor your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate and brain activity while you sleep. Multiple nights of your choosing are recorded during these sleep screenings to ensure accurate information is utilized to make life changing recommendations. These measurements allow the physician to determine if you have sleep apnea and, if so, how severe it is.

Effective care for complex airway and sleep concerns begins with understanding how the jaw, bite, airway, muscles and nervous system influence one another. Dr. Powell uses Myotronics K7 neuromuscular workups to evaluate jaw movement, muscle activity and joint function before selecting from Vivos®, ProSomnus® EVO Guided and Aurum Labs NaturalFit® appliances. She is the only DMD in the Treasure Valley combining these technologies as part of one individualized treatment approach. For a more representative view of their normal sleep, patients can complete their SleepImage® Ring screening at home across multiple nights of their choosing instead of relying on data from one predetermined night. This flexibility allows patients to select the nights that fit their schedule while gathering broader information about breathing, oxygen levels, sleep fragmentation and nervous system activity. Together, these findings help guide treatment and monitor each patient’s response over time.

Patients with sleep apnea often exhibit interrupted breathing, frequent micro-awakenings and a drop in blood oxygen levels throughout the night. Information from your sleep screening can be shared with a sleep practitioner who will analyze the data from your study to confirm the diagnosis and classify your condition as mild, moderate or severe. This classification helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs.

Working With a Sleep Specialist

At Powell TMJ & Sleep Solutions, your experienced doctor will work closely with board-certified sleep practitioners to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis. If a sleep study confirms sleep apnea, we will collaborate to explore treatment options tailored to your condition. Depending on the severity, treatment may include oral appliance therapy, myofunctional therapy, laser therapy or lifestyle modifications to improve your sleep quality.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea and want to take the next step toward better sleep and overall health, text Powell TMJ & Sleep Solutions at 208-344-2593 today for a sleep apnea diagnosis in Boise, Idaho. We are committed to helping you breathe easier, sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed.