How Sleep Apnea Can Affect Your Career
Have you ever felt exhausted at work, even after a full night’s sleep? If so, you might be dealing with sleep apnea. This condition disrupts your sleep, leaving you tired and unfocused during the day. It can also lead to problems at work, like making mistakes or having accidents.
But don’t worry — sleep dentists like Dr. Rebecca Lauck in Keller, TX, specialize in treating sleep apnea and helping you stay alert and safe on the job. Explore our blog to take action against your sleep apnea symptoms and improve work performance through sleep apnea treatment.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where you stop breathing for short periods while asleep. These pauses in breathing can occur many times throughout the night, causing you to wake up repeatedly without realizing it. As a result, you don’t get the restful sleep your body needs, which can make you drowsy during the day.
Symptoms of sleep apnea may include:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
These symptoms occur because sleep apnea prevents you from getting quality, restorative sleep. When you stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, leading to poor sleep and daytime issues like grogginess, concentration problems, and irritability.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea Symptoms at Work
Feeling tired at work because of sleep apnea can be dangerous, especially in certain occupations. For example, if you operate heavy machinery or drive for a living, being sleepy can increase your risk of accidents. Even in office jobs, fatigue can lead to mistakes, decreased productivity, and poor decision-making.
Certain occupations are at a higher risk of sleep apnea due to the nature of the work or the work environment. For example, shift workers, truck drivers, and pilots often experience disrupted sleep patterns, which can exacerbate the symptoms of sleep apnea. Additionally, workers in physically demanding jobs or those exposed to environmental factors like noise or chemicals may be more susceptible to developing sleep disturbances like sleep apnea.
How Sleep Dentists Can Help
Sleep dentists like Dr. Lauck use advanced techniques to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. Your sleep dentist will work with you to find the best solution, whether your treatment includes:
- CPAP machine
- Oral appliance therapy
- Lifestyle changes
With proper treatment, you’ll sleep better and feel more alert during the day, helping you stay safe and productive at work.
Workplace Accommodations
If you have sleep apnea, it’s important to let your employer know. They may be able to provide accommodations to help you manage your condition and perform your job safely. This could include:
- Flexible scheduling
- Designated break areas
- Modifications to your workspace
Employer’s Role in Promoting Sleep Apnea Awareness
Employers play a vital role in promoting sleep apnea awareness and encouraging employees to seek treatment. Here are some steps employers can take:
- Educate employees about sleep apnea and its potential risks.
- Offer workplace wellness programs that include sleep health education.
- Provide resources and support for employees seeking treatment for sleep apnea.
- Review workplace policies and protocols to accommodate employees undergoing treatment.
- Encourage a culture of open communication about health issues, including sleep apnea.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medical treatment, making lifestyle changes can also help manage sleep apnea. Your sleep dentist may recommend losing weight if you’re overweight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and sleeping on your side instead of your back.
Stay Alert and Safe at Work With Sleep Apnea Intervention
Don’t let sleep apnea put your job, or your life, at risk. If you’ve been feeling tired at work or have noticed signs of sleep apnea, schedule your consultation with Dr. Rebecca Lauck at North Texas Sleep Solutions. She’ll work with you to find a solution so you can get the restful sleep you need to stay alert, safe, and productive on the job.
Call (817) 431-6764 today to schedule your appointment at our Keller, TX, sleep dentistry office.