National Hockey League Takes Action Against Player Sleep Disorders

In recent years, a number of professional sports organizations, including the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) have taken formal steps to address sleep health issues with their players. Within the last two years, the National Hockey League (NHL) has also been taking action when it comes to making sure their athletes are getting the sleep they need, both during the season and when they are at home.

Sleep Study Commissioned, Agreement Updated

In 2013, the NHL worked together with the NHL Players' Association to commission a sleep study that focused specifically on the problem of prescription sleep aids – such as Ambien – and professional athletes. In addition, the NHL penned a new agreement with the NHL Players' Association that solidified two new rules: a minimum of 4 days off per month during the season, and a minimum 9-hour break between travel and the beginning of the next practice when players are traveling for games. Both of these changes are geared toward getting players better sleep and more sleep.

Professional Hockey Players Struggling to Sleep

The NHL decided to take action regarding sleep health after it became apparent that poor sleep was affecting their players' athletic performance as well as their lives as a whole. Specifically, sleep-related problems for professional hockey players may include:

• Hockey players may use sleep aids to combat sleep-related issues. This use may turn into abuse or dependency.
• Hockey players may have trouble sleeping due to injuries and sport-related chronic pain.
• Hockey players may have difficulty getting healthy sleep due to hectic travel schedules and a career that is difficult on the mind and body.
• Hockey players may have suffered a broken nose or deviated septum that causes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Sleep Apnea in Hockey Players

Although players in professional football, professional baseball, and professional basketball have all come forward with their stories related to sleep apnea, no well-known players in hockey have shared their OSA diagnosis. However, it is likely that a significant number of NHL players suffer from sleep apnea.

• Sleep apnea can be caused by a deviated septum or other sports injuries that damage the nose, mouth, or airway.
• Sleep apnea is much more common in males.
• Sleep apnea is more common in people with high BMIs, including a significant number of professional athletes.
• Sleep apnea symptoms may become worse if a patient is unable to maintain a healthy or regular sleep schedule.

Surgical Sleep Solutions

At Surgical Sleep Solutions, we understand that obstructive sleep apnea affects a diverse array of people, including a significant number of professional athletes. We are here to help all people with OSA find a workable, effective treatment for their sleep apnea, from lifestyle changes like positional therapy to sleep apnea surgery. To learn more about the best options for your OSA, please call us today at (855) 560-7378 or fill out self evaluation today to see if you are at high or low risk of suffering from sleep apnea.