We all know that falling asleep behind the wheel is extremely dangerous and can even be deadly. But did you know that operating a vehicle while tired can be just as dangerous, even if you’re still awake? It’s true. Drowsy driving can cause mental impairment just like drunk driving does. In fact, 24 hours of sleep deprivation has the same effects on your body as a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10%!
Thankfully, for many people, getting a good night’s sleep is easy and drowsy driving is not an issue, but for a growing number of others, sleep deprivation has become a way of life. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you find yourself tired throughout the day despite getting at least eight hours of sleep, or struggle to stay asleep at night and muddle through the day overtired, you could be suffering from sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when the airway becomes obstructed during sleep. The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. OSA can be caused by many things, including genetics, age, and even weight. It is typically more common in overweight men over the age of 50, but it can affect anyone of any age or body type.
What are the Signs of OSA?
When a person has OSA, they may experience the following symptoms:
- Gasping or choking for air while sleeping
- Snoring
- Feeling sluggish or tired throughout the day
- Frequent waking throughout the night
- Cognitive impairment
- Depression
Additionally, sleep apnea can cause low blood oxygen levels and it can even worsen many serious medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and even some cancers.
Treating Sleep Apnea
The good news is that when it comes to sleep apnea, there are treatment options available. Traditionally, something called CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is initially prescribed for most sleep apnea patients, however CPAP is not without its drawbacks. Many users find the machinery complicated, and the mask and forced air uncomfortable. As a result, they are less likely to use the machine for the whole night, or at all.
Thankfully, there’s another solution you may not know about. A custom oral appliance can be crafted by your dentist to help you prop the airway open naturally, without the use of masks, tubes, machines, or forced air. These devices are made to fit your individual mouth and most patients find them much more comfortable than CPAP. They also don’t require electricity, so you can take them with you camping, on an airplane, or anywhere else you’d like to sleep. They’re even easier to clean. You can gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinse them, or even soak them in a retainer or denture cleanser.
Whether you’re finding yourself feeling overtired throughout the day despite attempting to sleep a full eight hours, notice you are constantly waking up throughout the night, or if you already have a sleep apnea diagnosis and aren’t happy with your CPAP machine, speak to your dentist about a custom oral appliance and start getting the rest you deserve!
About Our Practice
At Weiss Dental Arts we want you to get a good night’s sleep. In addition to offering a wide range of dental services, we are also well-trained in sleep disorders, and proud to offer oral appliance therapy to our patients.
To schedule an evaluation for your own oral appliance, please visit our website or call 847-908-5566.