Even NFL Athletes Can Suffer From Sleep Apnea

According to a New England Journal of Medicine study, a significant number of National Football League (NFL) players suffer from sleep apnea despite the fact that they are some of the nation's top athletes:

A new medical study finds that up to one-third of NFL players have sleep apnea, a disorder that creates serious health risks and increases the chance that players will not get a good night's sleep before they hit the gridiron. Fifty-two professional football players from eight randomly selected NFL teams were tested for the obstructive sleep apnea study, cited in the latest issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.

Above-average body mass indexes and neck circumferences are two readily apparent physical signs that a person may be prone to obstructive sleep apnea, and of course professional football players fit those bills. The sleep disorder was determined to be a factor in the death of famed defensive end and standout athlete Reggie White, sadly at the age of just 43.

Are You At Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Even if you are an athlete, you could suffer from OSA. Complete Surgical Sleep Solutions' Sleep Improvement Profiler quiz to find out if you're at risk. If you know that you suffer from sleep apnea, if you are not satisfied with your current sleep apnea plan, or if you are curious about surgical treatments for sleep apnea such as bimaxillary advancement, you may wish to speak with one of our physicians. Contact Surgical Sleep Solutions today to find out more.