Everyone Needs Sleep

Everyone needs adequate sleep. Pilots and drivers know the value of a good night’s rest better than anyone. Transportation operators must remain alert and vigilant at all times to ensure passenger safety, but poor sleep can leave operators fatigued on the job. Fatigue can be caused by:

• Insufficient Sleep Time
• Excessive Work Hours
• Poor Sleep Hygiene
• Untreated Sleep Disorders

Sleep Related Breathing Disorders, Sleep Apnea, and Transportation

Do you wake up tired? If you are a member of the transportation workforce and you experience any of the symptoms below, it could be a sign of a sleep related breathing disorder and you may be at risk for sleep apnea. For pilots and drivers, a sleep apnea diagnosis can jeopardize your career, not to mention your health. Symptoms of sleep related breathing disorders include:

• Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
• Headaches in the morning
• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetfulness
• Depression
• Feeling irritable
• Night sweats
• Restless sleep

These symptoms can cause drowsiness, leading to fatigued driving which could develop into sleep apnea if left untreated. If caught early, corrective interventions can alleviate these symptoms and possibly prevent a sleep apnea diagnosis.

Fair Screening and Testing

DreamSleep dentists are trained to recognize the symptoms of sleep related breathing disorders and can screen patients during regularly scheduled visits. Unlike traditional clinical sleep screenings, which can require overnight visits to a sleep lab, DreamSleep screenings are easy with testing often occurring in your own home. You have a choice: you don’t need to stay overnight in a sleep lab, and CPAP isn’t the only non-surgical treatment option. Dental therapy provides less expensive and more convenient treatment beginning with the following easy steps:

• Screening and home sleep test schedule on first visit
• Delivery of custom-made oral appliance
• Easy follow-up maintenance once or twice a year

Oral Appliance

The customized oral appliance fits in the mouth like a retainer and treats sleep apnea symptoms throughout the night. For pilots and drivers on the go, the oral appliance is a convenient alternative to CPAP; easy to use and easy to take with you wherever you go. With OAT, you can rest easy and focus on your job. Effective treatment of sleep related breathing disorders benefits you throughout the day:

• Feeling more alert
• Increase driver safety
• Improved mood
• Lowered risks for associated medical conditions like strokes, hypertension, and diabetes