Falling asleep behind the wheel is extremely dangerous and can even be deadly. But what many people don’t realize is that operating a vehicle while sleep deprived can be just as dangerous, even if you’re still awake. Drowsy driving can cause similar mental impairment to drunk driving. In fact, studies have found that 24 hours of sleep deprivation affects your body the same way a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10% does!
If you find yourself struggling to get a good night’s sleep, you could be suffering from a condition known as sleep apnea. Here’s how sleep apnea can cause dangerous sleep deprivation, and what you can do to finally get the rest you deserve.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is characterized as a sleep disorder that occurs when your airway becomes obstructed during sleep. This can cause you to wake up repeatedly throughout the night. Even if you get a full eight hours of sleep, the quality of that sleep may suffer, and you may wake up feeling anything but rested.
There are several different types of sleep apnea, but the most common is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). There are many things that contribute to obstructive sleep apnea, including your genetics, age, gender, and body weight.
What are the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea?
Though not everyone will have the same symptoms with sleep apnea, you may notice any combination of the following:
- Gasping or choking for air while sleeping
- Snoring
- Feeling sluggish or tired throughout the day
- Frequent waking throughout the night
- Cognitive impairment during the day
- Depression
Sleep apnea can also decrease your blood oxygen levels and worsens many serious medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and high blood pressure.
How Can I Treat Sleep Apnea?
While in the past, patients were prescribed CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, compliance with this treatment is statistically low because many users find it uncomfortable and complicated to use.
Enter the Vivos DNA appliance. This orthotic sleep device is custom made for your mouth, by your dentist. It’s not a machine, so there’s no need to plug it in or deal with complicated settings or tubes, and because it’s made specifically for you, it is extremely comfortable, meaning you’re more likely to use it regularly and enjoy consistent sleep.
Remember, whether you struggle to get a good night’s sleep or to stay awake during the day, sleep deprivation is extremely dangerous. Don’t let the unthinkable happen. Speak to your dentist today about sleep apnea, and whether a sleep device like the Vivos DNA appliance is right for you.
About Our Practice
At Exceptional Dentistry Pain & Sleep Solutions, we want to help improve your life by providing safe, effective solutions to issues such as TMJ pain and sleep apnea. Conditions of this kind frequently cause devastating side effects that can have a lasting impact on your oral and overall health.
If you are struggling to get a good night’s sleep, a Vivos DNA appliance may be right for you. To learn more about this innovative treatment, schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling us at 301-460-3331.