Sleep Apnea Testing for LIRR Railroad Engineers: Saving Lives and Keeping You Safe

Book your next appointment

Babylon dental care office offering sleep apnea testingSleep apnea is a common disorder; one that disrupts and prevents quality sleep. Many people go undiagnosed, but there are signs to watch out for because going without treatment can have very serious results.

Today, sleep apnea testing is much easier and more convenient than in the past. You can even test while in the comfort of your own home.

As you’ll see in this article, sleep apnea testing is very important. It is an issue everyone should be concerned about. It is being used to ensure train engineers are alert when on the job.

How sleep apnea affects sleep and health

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly starts and stops or becomes shallow during sleep.

People with sleep apnea experience frequent awakenings and don’t get enough deep, restorative sleep, leaving them drowsy during the day — and possibly leading to irritability and depression.

Sleep apnea deprives the person of oxygen, which can lead to:

  • Morning headaches
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Decline in mental functioning

And the disorder is linked to:

  • Diabetes
  • Weight gain
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased risk of heart attacks and stroke

Although many people ignore this problem and don’t get tested for sleep apnea, this is a serious issue that deserves more attention.

This deadly accident may have been prevented using sleep apnea testing

Accidents happen when people don’t get enough sleep or have poor quality sleep drive, and then he or she operates trains, cars, or other heavy machinery.

In December 2013, a train on the Metro-North Railroad in New York City derailed from its course, killing four people and injuring more than 60 others.

An investigation determined the train came off the tracks due to the engineer’s sleepiness and undiagnosed sleep apnea (you can read more about it here: http://www.wsj.com/articles/sleep-apnea-led-to-deadly-metro-north-crash-ntsb-1414508407).

Testing for sleep apnea could have prevented this accident and saved lives

Sen. Charles Schumer of New York is demanding that both New York’s commuter railroads — the Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) — test their engineers for sleep apnea (http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/01/30/schumer-wants-lirr-not-just-metro-north-to-screen-engineers-for-sleep-apnea/).

The Metro-North has a plan to test its train engineers, but the Senator believes the other NY railroad line should have a similar plan.

If train engineers are tested and treated for sleep apnea, they will sleep better, drive better, and potentially reduce the amount of serious accidents that occur while they are driving.

Sleep apnea testing can help prevent accidents for everyone

At our family dental office in Babylon, New York, we support sleep apnea testing for train engineers. We also support testing for everyone in and around the Babylon area.

Sleep apnea can have devastating consequences anywhere. If you or someone you know rides a train to work, operates heavy machinery, or simply drives a car, you could be at risk of an accident due to sleep apnea.

Consider this: Patients with severe, untreated sleep apnea are two to three times more likely to have automobile accidents than the general population.

For this reason, we encourage everyone to get tested for sleep apnea, especially if you or your significant other thinks you may have it.

Signs and symptoms you might have sleep apnea

Sleep apnea affects more than 18 million Americans, according to the National Sleep Foundation. The disorder can affect anyone at any age, even children. However, risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of 40.

If you have any of the following, you might have sleep apnea and should get tested:

  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Excessive snoring
  • Memory problems
  • Gasping for air at night
  • Constant tossing and turning
  • Being easily irritated and moody
  • Daytime fatigue and drowsiness
  • Waking up frequently to urinate
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
  • Difficulty concentrating and performing normal tasks

Our convenient home test will help to determine if you have sleep apnea

At Babylon Dental Care, we provide a variety of sleep apnea treatments in Babylon, NY to fit your needs.

But, first, you need to determine if you have sleep apnea. One option is to sign up for an overnight sleep evaluation, which can be costly and inconvenient.

Or you could choose a convenient and effective take-home device that will test you for sleep apnea. The device we offer at our office is similar to the device that Metro-North engineers will be using.

All you do is sleep with the device for three nights and then come back to our office and have the results interpreted by a sleep apnea specialist (a medical doctor).

The vast majority of sleep apnea patients go undiagnosed despite serious consequences. Don’t let this be you or your loved one.

What should you do now?

If you are concerned that you or your family member may have sleep apnea, we encourage you to get tested.

Call us today and ask to speak with our Sleep Apnea Coordinator, Sharon (SCamerino@babylondentalcare.com). She can answer any questions you may have and will set up a free sleep apnea appointment and evaluation at our West Babylon location or our Patchogue location.

Contact us now or call us at (631) 983-6665 and let us help you sleep better so you can live a better life.

Share This Article :

Related Posts

Leave A Reply

Testimonials

babylon

“Amazing experience getting my teeth cleaned at Babylon Dental Care. Melody is fantastic and provided a top-notch painless service. Highly recommend.”

Ron S

babylon

“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”

Brian K

babylon

“Really love this office, they are so kind and non judge mental, I have dealt with so many judge mental dental offices and I have felt totally at ease here. Truly grateful to find them. Dr David is so gentle and for the first time ever I don’t have an anxiety attack coming in to the dentist. The ladies in the front are a pleasure as well, Beth is a breathe of fresh air.”

Angela P

babylon

“I had my teeth cleaned by Melody and she did an incredible job. She is gentle, and caring. My teeth look and feel amazing! I normally hate going to the dentist but now look forward to my cleanings with Melody and this location! Everyone is this office is so kind and sweet from the moment you walk in.”

Gillian W

babylon

“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

babylon

“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

babylon

“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!”

Elisabeth D

babylon

“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

babylon

“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!”

Susan G

babylon

“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!”

Kayleigh P

babylon

“I would highly recommend Babylon Dental Care. The Drs and Staff are all very friendly and professional. They take the extra time to explain the procedures which are truly done gently and with care. I saw Dr. Knakal and Dr. Diamond. The lobby is comfortable and the dental work areas are immaculate. Also, I have never had to wait very long before being seen!”

Regina B

babylon

“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.”

Cara P

babylon

“This is quite possibly the most impressive Dental office I’ve ever seen. All the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The office is so gorgeous through out. I loved my hygienist, she was very knowledgeable and very thorough and informative about being proactive with your hygiene habits. Dr Hsu was amazing. I highly recommend him. Very professional and explains everything he’s doing and that you’re comfortable during the visit. I’m really glad I found this office and my new Dentist.”

Angel W

babylon

“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!”

Chuck M

babylon

“I've been coming here for about a year and a half. I have always had Francesca and she's great. She's always professional, friendly and honest with me. They have a pretty good system with the walkie-talkies too which makes the process more or less pretty smooth. I also really appreciate that they are transparent up front with cost, not many places are like that in my experiences.”

Scott A

babylon

“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!”

Nick S

babylon

“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.”

Verona B

babylon

“I recently moved approximately 300 miles away, I continue to make the trip back to Babylon Dental Care. My hygienist Paige could not be kinder, friendlier or professional. I have been having issues with bone loss in my jaws and now it's time for implants. Dr. Knakal has been outstanding. I know I am in the best hands. Everyone I have dealt with at BDC from the receptionists to the checkout personnel are awesome! I will be continuing to make the trip for all my dental care.”

Pete R

babylon

“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!”

Joseph S

babylon

“I've never had such an amazing experience at a dentist. They are so kind, so caring, so friendly, and really make you feel appreciated and not just like a patient number. I am blown away by the care I received here, and will be recommending them to everyone I know!”

Jessica C

babylon

“I cannot adequately express my appreciation for this practice. Best dental practice ever! Everyone is so kind, caring and respectful. I don't dread going to the dentist anymore. I've had a lot of work done and am extremely pleased. They are very gentle and strive to keep you pain free. Very professional from reception on up. I highly recommend Babylon Dental. Would give them 10 stars if I could!”

Debra B

babylon

“Had the zoom whitening treatment and all I can say is wow!!”

Beth L

babylon

“At Babylon Dental Care, “care” is given from arrival to check out. I was anxious; it had been a few years since my last filling. From the moment I walked into the exam room, Karen comforted me. She explained the process, answered my questions and talked with me to keep me calm. Dr. Wrann was excellent! I did not have any pain before, during or after the procedure. So happy! Thank you to a truly great team!”

Kristina F

babylon

“I went there during covid as my dentist was shut down by the pandemic. They really do everything they can to make you feel good about your experience. Melanie who cleans my teeth as well is wonderful and does a great job everything by the time I leave I don't want to go. Excellent place for dental work. They go above and beyond.”

Connor L