Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
You can probably recall more than one instance when you were at work and felt incredibly sleepy. Regardless of whether you stayed up late the night before or had trouble sleeping, a reduction in sleep can cause adverse reactions throughout your day. Unfortunately, getting quality rest is almost impossible for those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. Not only can sleep apnea leave you feeling fatigued, but it can affect your memory and focus as well. According to an Oxford Academic sleep article, “individuals with moderate to severe OSA were more likely to have experienced multiple involuntary job losses.” Today on the blog, our Greeneville dentists who treat sleep apnea at Tusculum Dental Care share the impact that chronic sleep loss has on your job and what you can do about it.
Sleep Apnea is an Epidemic
The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that 22 million people living in the United States suffer from OSA, although many more cases remain undiagnosed. Obstructive sleep apnea is when the upper airway becomes partially or wholly blocked by surrounding soft tissues while sleeping. The blockage makes breathing more challenging, or it can stop airflow altogether. Our sleep apnea specialists in Greenville explain that when you have sleep apnea and an obstruction occurs, your brain signals your body to wake up and resume breathing. As a result, your body wakes enough to break the sleep cycle and deprive the body and mind of much-needed restoration during deep sleep stages.
Unfortunately, some individuals suffer from sleep apnea and never receive a diagnosis or treatment. Whether they are unaware of potential symptoms or believe the symptoms may be from a different physical ailment, living with undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea can be detrimental to your health and job.
Therefore, if you notice any of the following symptoms, immediately schedule a sleep apnea evaluation in Greeneville so that we can address your sleep apnea needs:
- Loud snoring
- Chronic fatigue
- Daytime sleepiness
- Frequently waking with a headache
- Tossing and turning or restless sleep
- Reduced memory or cognitive ability
- Choking or gasping for air while sleeping
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Erwin, Greeneville, and Jonesborough
Living with sleep apnea can create daily challenges that are difficult to overcome. Although sleep apnea diagnosis can only happen by a certified sleep specialist, our sleep apnea dentists in Greeneville can help relieve its effects on your body, mind, and life. Our office uses oral appliance therapy for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea, which can be an effective alternative to a CPAP machine. Each oral appliance is custom designed from high-quality materials and created from impressions of your mouth to ensure a secure, snug fit. When you wear the oral appliance at night, it serves as a mandibular advancement device that brings your lower jaw forward to open your airway and prevent blockages that cause sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Losing your job due to poor performance or excessive sleepiness can be heartbreaking. However, when you suffer from sleep apnea and live with an untreated condition, you can adversely affect bodily functions, potentially increasing the risks of an accident while driving or on the job. Therefore, if you experience any sleep apnea symptoms or if you think you may suffer from sleep apnea, feel free to contact our Greenville dental office, Tusculum Dental Care, at (423) 639-7575 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to helping you get a better night’s sleep!