Posted on Friday, April 19th, 2019 at 4:05 am    

You’re Not Lazy, You’re Tired: Sleep Apnea and WorkSleep apnea impacts how well we can perform in our everyday lives. Not only does sleep apnea diminish your attention span, ability to focus, and capacity to think critically but long term it can cause severe damage to your heart and brain.

Those who suffer from sleep apnea see the effects in their everyday lives, from their physical capabilities, personal relationships, and professional motivation. Though the complications that arise from this condition can be profound there are options.

If you are struggling to meet the demands of your everyday life because of sleep apnea, getting a proper diagnosis and the best oral appliance that will allow you to get high-quality, restful sleep.

Get Diagnosed

If you have sleep apnea, you are not a stranger to feeling lethargic when you wake up in the morning. When your alarm goes off, you are often left to wonder if you got any sleep at all. The days seem impossibly long, and the cycle continues. Because people with sleep apnea get poor quality sleep, it is common for them to oversleep and arrive late for work. Though some employers have flexible arrival hours, the majority of professions are relatively strict.

Fortunately, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) both contain provisions to protect employees with diagnosed medical conditions. Depending on your specific situation, you may be granted some time off to get the treatment and rest that you need. Additionally, if the treatment recommended by your doctor is not effective in improving how you feel, you may be eligible to apply for accommodations under workplace regulations. The foremost common denominator in all of this is that you get diagnosed.

Having a diagnosis from a physician and sharing the appropriate information with your employer is a crucial way to protect your working relationship. If you are showing up late, performing poorly, and displaying other unsatisfactory behaviors, your employer may get the wrong idea about your work ethic. Sleep apnea is a common condition and not something to be ashamed of. By disclosing your diagnosis, you are not making excuses, you are providing valuable context to your employer and ultimately keeping the lines of communication open.

Get Better; We Can Help

At Silent Night Therapy, we know how exhausted you feel when you have sleep apnea. Our professionals are here to help you find practical solutions so that you can be more present and engaged in your everyday life. If you are ready to start getting the quality sleep that you deserve, reach out to us today by calling (631) 983-2463 or by chatting with us live on online.