Is Your Sleep Cycle Derailed? Train Wrecks, Sleep Apnea, and Preventing Serious Accidents

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sleep apneaWhen many people think of sleep apnea, they get an image of a woman elbowing her husband in the middle of the night, and saying, “Stop that snoring!”

This makes sleep apnea look like a relatively harmless condition— so you snore a little loud and lose a little sleep…no big deal, right?

Wrong. Dead wrong.

In fact, so wrong that recently Metro North has begun discussions with a third party company to administer at home sleep apnea tests to some of its 410 train engineers. Planned spending is approximately $200,000 in order to help fight the sleep apnea epidemic in train engineers (source: http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-metro-north-sleep-apnea-tests-for-engineers-1216-20141216-story.html).

It is believed that sleep apnea was largely to blame for a deadly wreck in the Bronx in December of 2013 when a train came roaring off the tracks at 82 mph. When the brain and body are not getting the appropriate oxygen levels during sleep, it is a serious issue.

Why this is a Big Deal to Everyone (Not Just Train Conductors)

It’s obvious that when a train comes off the tracks, nothing good ever happens. However, the real issue here is the growing concern of how sleep apnea can have a devastating, even deadly effect on people right here in the Babylon area.

Although this was the MTA that runs in New York City, this can happen anywhere, and could be affecting LIRR engineers. That is why we want to raise awareness for the importance of sleep apnea testing and treatment for everyone in and around the Babylon community.

Any train engineer (or someone who takes the train to work), someone who operates heavy machinery, or someone who simply drives a car is at risk for either being involved in or causing a serious accident due to sleep apnea.

In addition to accidents, there are other, more likely ways in which sleep apnea can have a negative effect on your daily life. For instance:

  • Falling asleep at your desk. You likely aren’t falling asleep because you are working too much. Instead, you likely aren’t getting the quality sleep you need to function at an optimal level.
  • Dozing off while reading a book or watching a movie with family. Everyone needs entertainment, but are you too sleepy to enjoy it?
  • Not having the energy to participate in sports or activities you love.

And the list goes on. Fortunately, many of these problems can be detected with a simple at-home sleep apnea test.

So, Are the At-Home Sleep Apnea Tests Really Effective?

There is a belief that a lot of “at-home tests” are not as effective as professional medical testing conducted at a designated facility, but that is not completely true. That being said, sleep studies can get expensive, which is why at-home sleep apnea testing is recommended for many patients who may be suffering from sleep apnea.

Insurance carriers and physicians alike are recommending these at-home tests, as they are as effective (when done correctly) and less costly than overnight sleep evaluations in a medical/sleep apnea facility.

What is involved with At-Home Sleep Apnea Testing?

As mentioned above, at-home sleep apnea tests are recommended for patients who show signs or symptoms of sleep apnea. At our dental practice in Babylon, Dr. Brown offers patients a take home device that is similar to what the Metro North train conductors will be using.

Patients sleep with this device for 3 nights and then return to our office in order to have their results interpreted by a sleep apnea specialist (a medical doctor). If the results of the at-home test show that sleep apnea treatment is needed (and the patient wants to move forward with an oral appliance as opposed to a bulky CPAP machine), Dr. Brown and the Babylon Dental Care Sleep Apnea team will move forward and create a sleep apnea device to deal directly with this issue.

How do I know if I Have Apnea? What are the Common Signs and Symptoms?

Here are a few of the common signs and symptoms associated with sleep apnea:

  • Excessive snoring
  • Daytime fatigue, including falling asleep at work
  • Difficulty concentrating and performing normal tasks
  • Trouble falling and staying asleep (insomnia)
  • Gasping for air during the night
  • Becoming easily irritated and moody
  • Anxiety
  • And more.

So What is My Next Step?

If you are experiencing any of the above issues, and think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, then we encourage you to contact us and speak with Sharon, our Sleep Apnea Coordinator to schedule your free sleep apnea appointment and evaluation with Dr. Brown.

If you have additional questions before booking your appointment, we encourage you to contact our office and speak with Sharon (SCamerino@babylondentalcare.com). She has a wealth of information regarding sleep apnea, and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

Don’t let this potentially serious health issue keep you from feeling your best. You don’t have to struggle getting the sleep your body desperately needs.

All you have to do is pick up the phone, or contact us at our location nearest you (Great South Bay or Gateway Plaza) and schedule your appointment. We look forward to solving your apnea problems and helping you live a happier, healthier life with a truly restful night’s sleep.

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“Babylon Dental Care is an amazing practice! I had an issue with my teeth and they took me immediately. Their friendly and compassionate staff walked me through each step and in a matter of a week I had that tooth extracted and my flipper ready for every day use! You can’t even tell I have it in! The office is spotless and they even have Netflix! How cool is that! You’re welcomed as soon as you walk in and they made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Golo and Dr. Knakal took such good care of me and I would recommend them to anyone! The office is so convenient and literally across the street from my home so it doesn’t get better than that! Thank you Babylon Dental!”

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“Very professional staff and the hygienist Melody is amazing. The dentist are very thorough and they explained every little bit of details of your procedure. They make you feel so relaxed and welcoming. I would recommend Babylon Dental Care to anyone.”

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“Professional and courteous staff, every time I come here I’m more than satisfied. Dr Wrann & Dr Knakal are exceptionally good. I would highly recommend Babylon Dental!”

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“I have been using Babylon Dental Care for almost 10 years. Dr. Brown, Jen, Melody and Michelle are incredible. They are always concerned with the patients well being and health making it a different experience. They treat you like family, not a patient. I use them for dentistry and their silent night therapy. Thank you for taking care of my family. Great job team!”

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Ron S

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“First time here, never felt so comfortable at the dentist. Super clean and friendly staff. Corrin and Dr. Brown are absolutely wonderful! Very thorough and knowledgeable.”

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“First visit and everyone was so nice and made the transition to a new dentist seamless! Corinn did a great cleaning and explained everything as she was doing it!”

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“Everyone in the Patchogue office are wonderful! Kind, caring, and attentive. I have always hated dentists but I am never anxious to come there. I can honestly say I have NEVER felt this at ease. Thank you all for making this a wonderful experience for me. I won’t ever hesitate to go to the dentist again!”

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“From the moment I walked in it was a great experience. The facility is modern and clean. I was treated extremely well. And I really don't like going to the dentist but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit. Everyone I met was great! Thank you for making me feel comfortable.”

Tom M

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“Dr. David and the entire staff at Babylon Dental Care are amazing! Every single person who works there is so kind compassionate. I’m a very nervous patient and Dr. David and his assistant Amber made me feel so at ease. I highly recommend Babylon Dental Care especially if you’re an anxious patient!”

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“Love this office and all staff! From the front desk, to the hygienist, the dentists and the lovely ladies that check you out, it’s a top notch experience. I trust them 100%!”

Marian P

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“This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

Brenda S

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Angela P

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“Absolutely incredible team. From the very moment you walk in you're greeted with kindness and people who want to help you. When I was asked how everything was I literally told them I was speechless. Having had terrible experiences as a kid with dentistry I wasn't sure if the nice things I've heard and read would live up to my expectation. I'm so glad they met them, and even went above and beyond what I had imagined. They offered me several options (a comfort menu) for things I could ask for to help make the time go by easier and with less anxiety.. all for free! If you have been holding off due to how long it's been and how anxious you might be then take this as your sign to look into coming here. I really truly am so glad I overcame my fear and made my appointment, they are just *that* good”

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