NBA Players Fight Sleep Apnea Off Of The Basketball Court

Although obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often associated with obesity, older adults, and sedentary lifestyles, it is a misconception that all – or even most – OSA sufferers fit this limited profile. In fact, a significant number of professional athletes have been diagnosed with the sleep disorder, including some sport’s greatest superstars. While sleep apnea is likely most common in the NFL, OSA is also an issue for basketball players. In fact, two standout players have shared their sleep apnea stories with the media in recent years. Shaquille O’Neal’s Story Known simply as Shaq, Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest and most well-known basketball players in history. Standing over seven feet tall and weighing 325 pounds, he is also one of the largest NBA players to step onto the court. A 15-time NBA all-star and four-time NBA champion, Shaq had a stellar 19-year career that ended in 2011. The same year, he also discovered that he was suffering from sleep apnea. Like many people with OSA, Shaq discovered that he had sleep apnea after his partner told him that he was snoring and having difficulty breathing at night. He decided to participate in a sleep study, which confirmed he had the sleep disorder. After being diagnosed, Shaq began using a CPAP device to treat his OSA. He reports that the treatment allows him to get seven to nine hours of sleep at night and to get the rest he needs. He also says that it improved his relationship and helps him maintain a healthy weight. Anthony Bennett’s Story Like Shaq, Anthony was the number one draft pick the year he entered the NBA. However, soon after he began playing professional basketball for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013, Bennett’s coach shared that he suffered from both sleep apnea and asthma – two conditions that were affecting his ability to perform, and two conditions that are often present together in patients. The player, who is six feet, eight inches tall and who weighed 260 pounds, was gasping on court, struggling with his weight, and not scoring as many points as the Cav’s hoped when they drafted him. Between his first and second year on court, Bennett addressed many of his health issues. He had his tonsils and adenoids removed during surgery to help address his sleep apnea. Since then, he has been breathing better and losing weight. Sleep Apnea and Basketball The fast-paced game of basketball requires great cardio, great concentration, and quick reaction times. All three of these attributes can be negatively affected by sleep apnea, which studies have shown robs you of sleep and affects your ability to breathe even during the day. Because of their large frames, professional basketball players may be even more susceptible to sleep apnea than the general population. While some find that CPAP treatment works for them, others seek out a more permanent solution in sleep apnea surgery. Surgical Sleep Solutions for Professional Athletes While CPAP devices work , up to 83% of users have been reported as non-compliant, and some pro athletes do not like to carry the devices with them during busy travel schedules, while others find it difficult to find a mask that fits correctly and comfortably. At Surgical Sleep Solutions, we offer a highly-effective and permanent solution that allows most patients to shelve their CPAP machine forever. To learn more about our treatment model, please call us today at (855) 560-7378.