Sleepy Behind the Wheel? Drowsy Driving Is a Major Danger of Sleep Apnea!

Did you know that, according to one estimate, drowsy driving is responsible for around 100,000 car crashes each year? That amounts to tens of thousands of injuries; some people even die in drowsy driving-related incidents! Indeed, staying alert behind the wheel is a matter of life and death. Sadly, though, many people have sleep apnea, which can make it much more difficult to drive safely. How is sleep apnea connected to drowsy driving, and what can you do to be safer on the road? This blog post provides helpful information.

How Does Sleep Apnea Cause Drowsy Driving?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that repeatedly interrupts your breathing during the night. These interruptions disrupt the natural sleep cycle and prevent you from reaching deep, restorative sleep stages. Without enough quality sleep, you may wake up feeling tired, irritable, and unable to concentrate throughout the day.

When you drive, your ability to pay attention and react quickly is crucial. Sleep apnea can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, slower reaction times, and problems with decision-making. These symptoms significantly increase your risk of falling asleep at the wheel or making dangerous mistakes while driving.

Moreover, the effects of sleep apnea do not disappear after a cup of coffee or a quick nap; the underlying sleep deficit continues to impact your alertness and judgment every time you drive.

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Many people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed; it is important to pay attention to potential symptoms so you can realistically evaluate whether you need to make adjustments in order to drive safely. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Loud, frequent snoring at night
• Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
• Waking up feeling unrefreshed, even after a full night’s rest
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• High blood pressure or mood changes

Seek Treatment to Improve Your Safety

If you suspect that sleep apnea is compromising your ability to drive safely, these steps can help you get the rest you need so you can be more alert and confident behind the wheel:

• Ask your doctor about undergoing a sleep test. This can provide you with an official sleep apnea diagnosis.
• Once you receive a diagnosis, you can learn about treatment options. Many patients find that a custom oral appliance from a dentist is the most convenient and comfortable option.
• Explore lifestyle changes that can reduce sleep apnea symptoms. For example, weight loss, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can all increase sleep quality.

With successful treatment, you are less likely to feel exhausted behind the wheel, more able to focus, and better equipped to react to unexpected events on the road. Therefore, if you believe you are a victim of sleep apnea, now is the time to seek professional care!

Meet the Practice

Under the leadership of experienced sleep dentists Drs. Yitta Garden and Kenneth Mogell, our practice provides oral appliance therapy to patients with obstructive sleep apnea. If you need a sleep test, we can provide referrals to help you get an accurate diagnosis. To learn more about our services or to request an appointment, contact our Vero Beach office at 772-882-6800.