Koala Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders Wausau

Koala Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders Wausau Welcome to the Koala Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders of Wausau Wisconsin! Dr. Rod Willey treats snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ pain.

Our provider Dr. Rodney Willey DDS, D.ACSDD, D.ASBA is a Diplomate with the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorder Disciplines and American Sleep and Breathing Academy. His career path has taken him from general dentistry, to the study of functional orthodontics at the U.S. Dental institute, to Neuromuscular Occlusion from the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Sleep Studies, to the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy. He is the founder and developer of the Koala Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders franchise. Brenda Mittelsteadt has been a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner for over 23 years. Her background is diversified, as she has specialized in emergency medicine, acute/urgent care, general and vascular surgery (specializing in bariatric and varicose veins), occupational health, and family practice. She completed her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. She holds national board certification with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and also holds a Driver of Transportation (DOT) certification. She delivers personalized, high-quality patient care with compassion and an emphasis on educating the patient while building a therapeutic relationship built on trust and evidence-based practice. Her philosophy on care is patient-centered, using a team approach, and she thrives on helping people navigate through their health concerns towards health promotion and maintenance. She believes her success as a nurse practitioner requires her to have continual dedication to help impact and improve the lives of her patients through a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. As she has experienced the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) in patients through primary care, she has recently switched her interest to focusing on helping these patients. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, vacationing, being outdoors, and watching her son play hockey.

Does Sleeping on My Side Instead of My Back Really Prevent the Airway from Closing? (Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disord...
02/02/2026

Does Sleeping on My Side Instead of My Back Really Prevent the Airway from Closing? (Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders)

For many, sleeping on the back (supine) allows gravity to pull the tongue and soft tissues toward the back of the throat, obstructing the airway. Side-sleeping helps keep the airway open by shifting that physical weight and preventing total collapse.

Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders in Wausau, WI - Call (715) 227-4464 Visit our website for more information - https://www.koalasleepcenters.com/locations-wausau-wi

Can My Body “Jerk” Awake as a Response to Stopped Breathing? (Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders)Yes, these are ofte...
01/30/2026

Can My Body “Jerk” Awake as a Response to Stopped Breathing? (Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders)

Yes, these are often "Respiratory-related Arousals" where the brain sends a sudden signal to the body to restart breathing. These frequent disruptions keep you in a state of light sleep, leaving you exhausted despite spending 8 hours in bed.

Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders in Wausau, WI - Call (715) 227-4464 Visit our website for more information - https://www.koalasleepcenters.com/locations-wausau-wi

Rest Your Tongue High (Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders)Keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth to help keep yo...
01/29/2026

Rest Your Tongue High (Koala Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders)

Keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth to help keep your throat open.

Koala Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders in Wausau, WI - Call (715) 227-4464 Visit our website for more information - https://www.koalasleepcenters.com/locations-wausau-wi

Wake Up Without the Pain (Koala Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders)Do you Wake up with tension in your temples or a sore j...
01/27/2026

Wake Up Without the Pain (Koala Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders)

Do you Wake up with tension in your temples or a sore jaw? These are classic signs of TMD or nighttime teeth grinding, which can be caused by an imbalanced bite or a restricted airway. Our neuromuscular approach brings your jaw into a relaxed, harmonious position so you can start your day pain-free.

Koala Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders in Wausau, WI - Call (715) 227-4464 Visit our website for more information - https://www.koalasleepcenters.com/locations-wausau-wi

Sleep on Your Side (Koala Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders)This prevents the tongue from falling back and blocking your ...
01/27/2026

Sleep on Your Side (Koala Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders)

This prevents the tongue from falling back and blocking your airway.

Koala Center for Sleep & TMJ Disorders in Wausau, WI - Call (715) 227-4464 Visit our website for more information - https://www.koalasleepcenters.com/locations-wausau-wi

The Danger of Mouth Breathing (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)Breathing through your mouth while you sleep can narrow ...
01/25/2026

The Danger of Mouth Breathing (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)

Breathing through your mouth while you sleep can narrow your airway and cause your tongue to fall back, increasing your risk for apnea and TMJ pain. At Koala, we focus on treatments that promote healthy nasal breathing and proper jaw alignment for better overall wellness.

Koala Center For Sleep Disorders in Wausau, WI - Call (715) 227-4464 Visit our website for more information - https://www.koalasleepcenters.com/locations-wausau-wi

Your Best Defense Is Deep Sleep (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)Quality sleep is when your body produces the cytokines...
01/23/2026

Your Best Defense Is Deep Sleep (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)

Quality sleep is when your body produces the cytokines and antibodies needed to fight off seasonal illness. If an obstructed airway is preventing you from reaching deep sleep, your immune system can’t fully recharge. Let us help you stabilize your sleep so your body can protect itself. Invest in your health this year - book an appointment at a Koala Center near you!

Koala Center For Sleep Disorders in Wausau, WI - Call (715) 227-4464 Visit our website for more information - https://www.koalasleepcenters.com/locations-wausau-wi

How Does a Drop in Oxygen Levels During Sleep Affect My Blood Pressure? (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)When oxygen le...
01/22/2026

How Does a Drop in Oxygen Levels During Sleep Affect My Blood Pressure? (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)

When oxygen levels drop, the brain triggers a "Fight-or-Flight" response, causing the heart to pump harder and blood vessels to constrict. Over time, these nightly spikes can lead to chronic hypertension and increased cardiovascular strain.

Koala Center For Sleep Disorders in Wausau, WI - Call (715) 227-4464 Visit our website for more information - https://www.koalasleepcenters.com/locations-wausau-wi

Is It ADHD or Just Poor Sleep? (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)Many children diagnosed with Behavioral issues are actu...
01/20/2026

Is It ADHD or Just Poor Sleep? (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)

Many children diagnosed with Behavioral issues are actually struggling with Sleep-Disordered Breathing. Symptoms like mouth breathing and restless sleep prevent the brain from reaching the restorative stages needed for focus and emotional regulation. Our KoalaKIDZzz® program uses non-invasive treatments to address these root causes early. Visit our website to learn more!

Koala Center For Sleep Disorders in Wausau, WI - Call (715) 227-4464 Visit our website for more information - https://www.koalasleepcenters.com/locations-wausau-wi

Myth: Sleep Apnea Only Affects Men. (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)Women’s risk increases significantly, especially d...
01/19/2026

Myth: Sleep Apnea Only Affects Men. (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)

Women’s risk increases significantly, especially during menopause.

Koala Center For Sleep Disorders in Wausau, WI - Call (715) 227-4464 Visit our website for more information - https://www.koalasleepcenters.com/locations-wausau-wi

Why You Can’t Stop the Cravings (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)If you’re struggling with New Year weight loss goals, ...
01/16/2026

Why You Can’t Stop the Cravings (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)

If you’re struggling with New Year weight loss goals, your airway might be the culprit. Untreated sleep apnea disrupts the hormones that control hunger and fullness, making it nearly impossible to resist sugar and carbs. Treating your sleep is the first step toward a healthier metabolism and successful weight management. Start your wellness journey by fixing your sleep - schedule an appointment today!

Koala Center For Sleep Disorders in Wausau, WI - Call (715) 227-4464 Visit our website for more information - https://www.koalasleepcenters.com/locations-wausau-wi

Protect Your Heart While You Rest (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)Untreated Sleep Apnea puts a massive strain on your ...
01/15/2026

Protect Your Heart While You Rest (Koala Center For Sleep Disorders)

Untreated Sleep Apnea puts a massive strain on your cardiovascular system by causing nightly spikes in blood pressure. Our FDA-approved oral appliances are a non-surgical way to keep your airway open and your oxygen levels stable. Investing in your sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term heart health. Don't ignore the signs of apnea - request your consultation at a Koala Center today!

Koala Center For Sleep Disorders in Wausau, WI - Call (715) 227-4464 Visit our website for more information - https://www.koalasleepcenters.com/locations-wausau-wi

Address

413 North 17th Avenue Ste. #100
Wausau, WI
54401

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 12pm

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Our Story

Welcome to the Koala Center for Sleep& TMJ Disorders of Wausau Wisconsin. Dr. Rod Willey provides non-surgical treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea including oral appliance therapy. Oral appliances are a comfortable alternative to CPAP. Covered by most medical insurance plans and Medicare.

Dr. Willey is a neuromuscular dentist providing treatment for TMD and oral facial pain. Living without headaches can be a reality for you as it has been for others.