When you are heading to work in the morning, do you find yourself fighting back sleep while behind the wheel? You might think you went to bed late or woke up early, but this is a common sign of sleep apnea. Not only is it dangerous for yourself, but also for those around you. Continue reading to learn more about this unsafe situation and how your dentist can help.
Why Is It Dangerous to Drive While Drowsy?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has compiled statistics on how drowsy driving can be risky for you and those on the road. In 2017, it led to nearly 91,000 crashes with about 800 deaths and 50,000 injuries. Even in 2023, there were 633 deaths related to it.
While accidents can happen at any time, it’s believed that they’re most frequent between midnight and 6 a.m. These times are when your body’s natural clock starts to regulate your sleep and get you tired for the night.
Dozing off for a few seconds can be enough time for someone to drive off the road or collide with another car. Not only that, but sleep deprivation can also cause a mental impairment similar to feeling drunk. In fact, going without sleep for 24 hours can roughly equate to having a blood alcohol content of 0.10%.
What Are Some Signs of Sleep Apnea?
If you have sleep apnea, drowsy driving isn’t the only symptom that’ll manifest. Here are some other ones you should be aware of:
- Irritability
- Difficulty paying attention
- Daytime sleepiness
- Headaches
- Loud snoring
- Dry mouth and gasping for air during sleep
How Will My Dentist Treat My Sleep Apnea?
Despite being a sleep disorder, your dentist may be able to help you with this condition. By giving you the resources you need to get a diagnosis, you can then get the treatment you need. While a CPAP machine is the traditional method, it’s often bulky that many patients find uncomfortable.
Instead, your provider can offer you an oral device that will help keep your airways open. It gently moves your jaw forward, which doesn’t allow the throat muscles to cause any obstructions.
In the end, you’ll be able to get the undisturbed sleep you deserve. When you can wake up feeling more rested, you can conquer the day ahead and avoid the dangers that come with driving while drowsy.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Weldon earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He is a proud member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, meaning he understands the importance of treating sleep apnea to avoid any accidents. By offering an oral appliance, you get the rejuvenating nights that you deserve. If you often wake up more tired than the when you went to bed, schedule an appointment or call his office at (352) 622-3236.