Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Every year it is estimated that drowsy drivers cause about 100,000 accidents including many which are fatal. Teenagers are at the highest risk for drowsy driving but people who suffer from undiagnosed or untreated obstructive sleep apnea are at risk as well.

You can’t always tell just how sleepy you really are when driving. If you find yourself yawning constantly, have trouble focusing on the road, find yourself drifting into other lanes or onto the side of the road it is time to pull over! Most drowsy driving accidents occur after midnight and before 6am but obstructive sleep apnea patients can experience drowsy driving at any time.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes people to stop breathing during sleep. Sleepers usually experience loud snoring with gasps or choking noises as they briefly wake to gulp air – this happens many times each night leaving them feeling exhausted and unrested in the morning. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.

A dentist who has special training in the field of dental sleep medicine can help determine if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and can offer a safe, comfortable and non-invasive method of treatment that can restore your energy levels and allow you that full night of restful sleep.

Please contact Columbus, OH sleep medicine dentist Dr. Mark Levy at 14-476-6696 today to schedule your consultation.