Sleep apnea is a disorder that results in multiple stoppages\nin breathing while a person slumbers. It\u2019s an issue that\u2019s growing in\nprevalence, as over 22 million Americans now suffer from some form of the\ncondition. The sleep interruptions associated with sleep apnea can lead to\nseveral issues, one of which is daytime lethargy. This can be especially\ndangerous for commercial truck drivers and the passengers who share the highway\nwith them. As you continue reading, you\u2019ll learn what some of the other warning\nsigns of sleep apnea in Denver are and why it\u2019s important to be tested and\ntreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The first step to combatting the effects of sleep apnea is\nto recognize the warning signs. In addition to exhaustion, someone with sleep\napnea might also experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the first notice of any of the above symptoms, it\u2019s\nimportant to bring it to a physician\u2019s attention so a sleep test can be\nscheduled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The average truck driver\u2019s load weighs several tons. That\nmeans that he or she has the responsibility to be even more careful and\nvigilant on the road than other drivers. While the government places\nrestrictions on how many hours each operator can transport daily, he or she\nmust still be highly alert within that window of time to prevent accidents. Untreated\nsleep apnea can pose a safety threat. According to a 2016 report by U.S.\nNews<\/em><\/a>, driving drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving drunk, contributing\nto an estimated 20% of vehicular fatalities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, if a truck driver recognizes any of the warning signs\nof the condition, getting tested and treated could possibly save several lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step to getting tested is to take a sleep study\npre-screening questionnaire that will be evaluated by a physician. If diagnosed\nwith sleep apnea, the driver can then seek treatment from a local sleep\ndentist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common form of treating sleep apnea is with a CPAP\nmachine, which is designed to force air into the throat to prevent stoppages in\nbreathing. However, some patients find it to be cumbersome, loud and\nuncomfortable. Thankfully, there\u2019s an alternative: treatment with an oral sleep\nappliance. The small apparatus easily fits into the mouth and gently shifts the\njaw forward to maintain normal airflow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you or a loved one is a truck driver who has demonstrated\nany of the above symptoms, then it\u2019s imperative to follow through with sleep\napnea testing in Denver. It will make the highways much safer and save lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n About the Author<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Consistently recognized by 5280 Magazine <\/em>as one of Colorado\u2019s Top Dentists, Dr. Gary Radz specializes in treating sleep apnea. As a person who has sleep apnea himself, he understands how the condition can affect one\u2019s life. Thus, Dr. Radz has a level of empathy that is uncommon. A member of the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Disciplines and the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, he provides oral appliances and screenings to help his patients rest better at his private practice. Dr. Radz can be reached for more information through his website<\/a>. <\/p>\n\r\nSleep Testing Made Easy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Sleep Apnea Can be Treated<\/h2>\n\n\n\n