Do you tend to not get a good night’s sleep? Are you regularly drinking coffee to wake you up in the morning before going to work? Have you sometimes driven on the freeway with your eyelids feeling heavy? One reason for your drowsiness can be due to sleep apnea, which can affect your pattern of rest. If left untreated, it can impact your daily activities and lead to unsafe habits, such as falling asleep at the wheel! Read on to learn the dangers of drowsy driving, the common signs of sleep apnea, and how your dentist can treat it.
The Risks of Driving Sleepy
According to the National Sleep Foundation, drowsiness can negatively influence your driving performance similar to (or more than) alcohol. Additionally, the American Automobile Association discovered that over 16% of fatal traffic accidents are caused by drowsy driving. If you’re struggling with chronic sleepiness or fatigue, you must seek treatment before you end up experiencing a life-threatening incident while behind the wheel.
7 Typical Signs of Sleep Apnea
Over 70 million Americans suffer from some sleeping disorder, according to The Institute of Medicine. Although sleep apnea can be responsible for causing numerous serious health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes, the condition often goes unnoticed. To avoid allowing this disorder to fly under your radar, it’s crucial to be aware of the following symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Morning headaches
- Loud snoring
- Lethargy or lack of energy throughout the day
- Irritability or sudden mood changes
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Restless sleep
How Can Your Dentist Help?
If you’re suffering from sleep apnea and it’s negatively affecting your quality of life or putting you in risky situations, such as drowsy driving, then you should consult your dentist. They’ll have a thorough understanding of your jaw, mouth, and throat that allows them to provide the necessary treatment to clear your airway. By using the latest dental technology, your dentist can improve your sleep in a much more comfortable and quiet method compared to previous machines.
If you’re ready to get the best rest of your life, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist about sleep apnea therapy. After your treatment, you can be sure to wake up with much more energy to get you through the day!
About the Author
Dr. Jane C. Puskas received her dental doctorate from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and has been delivering outstanding care for nearly three decades. She’s also a proud member of several prestigious organizations such as the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. She provides a wide range of high-quality and comprehensive treatments, including sleep apnea therapy. If you struggle with drowsy driving and want to get treatment for sleep apnea, visit her website or call her at 404-261-7488.