It is critical for everyone to get enough quality sleep in order to stay healthy and safe—but which professions count the most on a good night’s rest? Arguably those who are in charge of large machinery, which is why Challenge Motor Freight has teamed up with an app to offer a voluntary sleep apnea screener for its drivers. Apps like Resonea’s DROWZLE can be a helpful tool, but the only way to actually get a diagnosis for any sleep condition, including sleep apnea, is by working with sleep experts like the team at The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona. However, these kinds of apps are also helping raise awareness about how common (and dangerous) sleep conditions are across the globe.
DROWZLE was given clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2019 as “prescription smartphone software” capable of screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is the most common kind of sleep apnea, much more prevalent than centralized sleep apnea (CSA), and is known for having a wealth of co-morbidities including hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. Unfortunately, even though millions of people have been diagnosed with OSA, experts agree there are probably many more who have the condition but don’t know it. It is marked by stopped breathing at night (common symptoms are snoring and gasping for breath while asleep), which of course can be difficult to identify for those who don’t have a routine sleep partner.
OSA: There’s an App for That
Resonea has a suite of options for improving motor carrier safety and reputations. This includes sleep education, testing, screening, reporting, and compliance documentation. However, DROWZLE is the company’s latest offering. According to the chief medical officer of the company, “At the center of our system is an FDA-cleared smartphone app that provides drivers an easy way to assess the risk of sleep apnea with an overnight breathing analysis.”
Users can use DROWZLE to screen for OSA anywhere and at any time. Results are confidential and reported to the user within 24 hours. The convenience of anytime and anywhere testing is attractive, but testing for OSA is also relatively quick and easy when you depend on a reputable team of sleep experts. In fact, when you book a consultation with The Insomnia and Sleep Institute, you first meet with an expert who can diagnose sleep disorders like OSA.
The Importance of Sleep
Drivers of course need quality sleep in order to safely perform their work—but so does everyone else. Many of us are on the road. Many of us have careers that demand we are well-rested. Sleep apnea can interfere with our productivity and safety. Effective treatment is paramount and while that starts with a correct diagnosis, that is just the beginning. The standard management for OSA is CPAP therapy, which ensures airways are kept open while the patient sleeps.
Today there are many options for CPAP accessories and finding the right fit for you is important. Gone are the days when the only CPAP option was bulky machinery that was not travel-friendly. We will work with you to determine a CPAP strategy that works for you and your lifestyle. There are many options for customizing accessories so that you get the rest that you need. CPAP adherence is, of course, vital for a successful treatment.
Other Options for OSA
If you are one of the few people who do not find success with CPAP, other options are available, such as the Inspire implant. It is required that all patients try CPAP before moving on to more invasive options like an implant. However, if an implant is for you, we are one of the few centers that offer it. Implants are tiny devices placed in the chest that force airways open while you sleep. A small surgery is required, but implants can yield excellent results for those who have failed CPAP therapy.
Learn more about managing your OSA and other sleep conditions by scheduling a consult with a sleep expert today. Contact The Insomnia and Sleep Institute by calling the office during business hours or, for the fastest response, complete the online contact form right now.
