You’re driving down the road and begin to yawn. You recognize you’re tired and didn’t get a good night’s sleep, but you blast some cold air and turn up the radio. After a few more miles, you notice your eyelids getting heavy again. This is a dangerous situation to be in, no matter how far you’re going. Drowsy driving can have fatal consequences, which is why it’s important to seek help if you think you might have sleep apnea. Find out more about the possible dangers of chronic fatigue and what a specialist can do to help.
How Dangerous Is It to Drive While Tired?
Countless studies have been conducted on the dangers of drowsy driving; however, one indicates that nearly 6,000 deaths occur as a result of individuals getting behind the wheel while severely fatigued. Another study states that roughly 21% of fatalities included at least one person driving drowsy.
Although there is the idea that operating a car while under the influence is far more dangerous, the reality is that sleep deprivation can be just as deadly. Researchers have found that those who go 24 hours without adequate rest can experience the same kind of mental impairment as someone who has a blood alcohol content of 0.10%.
If lack of sleep is causing you to put yourself (and others) at risk while on the road, it may be that you have what is known as sleep apnea.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
You may not realize that you have sleep apnea unless someone tells you. The symptoms can go unnoticed for years, especially if you live alone. However, some of the tell-tale signs that you may be suffering include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Moodiness
- Forgetfulness
- Inability to concentrate
- Loss of libido
- Frequent headaches
- Gasping or choking on air
- Mouth breathing
- Excessive snoring
How Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated?
Interrupted sleep that is caused by a blockage in the airway is likely to be the result of sleep apnea. With obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) being the most common, it requires a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan to address.
Meeting with a dental sleep medicine expert can put you on the right path to living and enjoying a better quality of life.
After undergoing a sleep test, you can prepare for effective treatment (if you have sleep apnea or snore). Although the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the most common option, a customized oral appliance is also safe to use. Portable and user-friendly, this device is worn in your mouth while you sleep, slightly moving your jaw forward so that your airway remains open throughout the night.
Over time, you’ll notice a dramatic difference in how you feel each morning when you wake up. Not only will you likely feel better rested, but you’ll notice that you are more alert while driving to school or work.
Don’t put yourself in danger by getting behind the wheel while feeling tired. Get the help you need for sleep apnea so that you can keep yourself and others safe while on the road.
About the Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness in Frisco, our team of sleep experts and specialists are here to provide effective treatment for those who struggle to get the rest they need. When faced with drowsy driving, it’s imperative to seek professional treatment right away, which is why we can work to diagnose and treat the issue, reducing common sleep apnea symptoms and allowing patients to live life better rested than before. Contact us to find out how we can help you get the rest you need.