Every day, drivers dangerously get behind the wheel of their vehicles while tired. For many, this is because they suffer from a sleep-breathing disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA. Some have been diagnosed by a certified sleep physician, while others may not have ever heard of OSA.
Of those who have sought diagnosis, as many as half may not accept treatment because they cannot tolerate the CPAP machine, which is considered the gold standard in OSA treatment. However, there is a widely accepted alternative to the CPAP that has been approved by the FDA. It is less invasive, more comfortable, and covered by almost all insurance plans.
Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Northshore and Southshore residents commute across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway everyday for work, shopping, entertainment, family visits, etc. Many do so while suffering from untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea, putting themselves and others on the road at risk.
Recently, AAA came out with a study showing that drowsy driving is comparable to driving drunk or under the influence. The study states that drivers who miss just two to three hours of sleep a day are four times more at risk of being involved in a crash.
This is an alarming statistic, especially for those of us in Southeast Louisiana, including Covington and Mandeville, who routinely cross the 24-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the world’s longest over-water bridge. According to an article by the Advocate in August 2016, thirteen vehicles have crashed overboard the Causeway since 2004, with 8 fatalities. While these may not all be attributed to drowsy driving, consider how much more likely drowsy-driving-graphic a driver may be to go overboard if they are falling asleep at the wheel.
How to Find Out if You Have Sleep Apnea
If you or a loved one struggles to stay awake throughout the day, whether during a favorite TV show, visiting with friends and family, driving, or even sitting at a stop light, OSA may be the cause. OSA is a medical condition diagnosed by a physician using either a home sleep study, or an overnight study in a qualified sleep lab. A positive diagnosis is of you experience five or more episodes of hypopnea or apnea per hour on average during total sleep. Hypopnea is defined as having a 3-4% drop in oxygen level (snoring or choking), and apnea is defined as having NO oxygen intake at all.
Consequences and Treatment
Besides the dangers of falling asleep at the wheel, OSA has been proven to lead to other serious health problems:
- Obesity and Type II Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease
- Memory Loss
- Mood Swings and Depression
- Erectile Dysfunction
Different treatments for OSA include: the CPAP machine which forces oxygen into your airway during sleep; surgery to remove excess tissue blocking the airway; or an oral sleep appliance fitted by a qualified dentist. While CPAP is generally the first line of treatment for sleep apnea, compliance is usually less than 50% due to intolerance of the necessary face mask.
Dr. Jim Moreau has worked with many sleep physicians, cardiologists, and ear, nose, and throat doctors in New Orleans, Metairie, Slidell, Covington, Mandeville, and even Texas and Florida to treat OSA patients with an oral sleep appliance. This is a small custom-fitted orthotic, or mouth piece, that helps keep the airway open while you sleep by moving the lower jaw forward.
Through a series of titrations, Dr. Moreau sets your appliance to the level that gives the best results for You. This means making sure you are able to breathe with ease and comfort as you sleep.
Getting the Right Help for Sleep Disorders
When seeking OSA treatment from a dentist, it is important to find one who you are not only comfortable with, but who is also very experienced, well trained, and keeps up with the latest studies and technology in treating OSA. Dr. Moreau has successfully treated many patients suffering from OSA and is a member of and attends lectures and conventions sponsored by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM).
Dr. Moreau stands out, not only because of his extensive continuing education in OSA, but also due to his expertise in treating TMJ disorders. There is an estimated 70% crossover between sleep apnea and TMD.
Having studied, treated, and suffered from TMJ disorder, Dr. Moreau has a unique understanding of the functions of the jaw joint and how it plays into OSA and how to prevent complications during OSA treatment.
Dr. Moreau screens all of his dental patients for both TMJ and Sleep Disorders and also offers complimentary consultations for new patients with symptoms or concerns. This will help discern if your specific needs would benefit from an oral appliance.
At MoreSMILES, we always want to help you, the patient, feel comfortable and confident in the level of care you will receive and what to expect in treatment.
Dr. Moreau also stays in constant contact with your physician before, during, and after treatment with consultations and progress reports to make sure that your physician is involved throughout treatment.
Call Now to schedule a complimentary consult, or learn more and request an appointment by visiting our website.