Both current and former football players face the dangers of obstructive sleep apnea, the disorder that contributed to the tragic death of former Green Bay Packers superstar Reggie White.
Two of the major indicators for sleep apnea are neck size and body mass index. Perhaps as many as 75% of professional football players, and many college and even high school players, qualify for the neck size indicator, which is 18 inches. And despite being in sensational football condition, many qualify for the body mass index indicator, which is 30 and above.
These indicators plus questions relating to sleep are vitally important for team doctors to consider in player physical examinations. Sleep apnea can be treated very easily, and doing so would likely enhance the performance of athletes who think they are sleeping well, but are constantly exhausted. Certainly, it could reduce the risk of other serious diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, asthma, diabetes and more, and likely would prevent some premature deaths among athletes.
Realistically, any athlete who meets the neck and body mass indicators should consider whether they snore and gasp at night, are feeling exhausted during the day, and then consider talking with their doctor or a physician who specializes in sleep disorders. Some athletes who might wish to think about this are shot-putters, weight lifters, wrestlers and more.
Why take the chance?
Steve Gardner
5 comments
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May 13, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Larry Barsh, DMD
Sleep apnea is one of the most unrecognized problems not only among football players but also in the population in general. There are over 18 million men, women and children in the US alone with sleep apnea and only about 5% have been diagnosed and treated. Specially educated aand trained dentists can provide relief with dental devices that are worn during sleep that bring the jaw to a forward position opening the airway.
May 13, 2008 at 1:54 pm
sleepwellandlive
Dr. Barsh makes a good point. However, it should be noted that dental devices are not a be all and end all solution for sleep apnea. Indeed, for those people with severe obstructive sleep apnea, dental devices are rarely of significant help. They are much more helpful in cases of mild and, to some degree, moderate sleep apnea.
Steve Gardner
May 14, 2008 at 8:41 am
Tobin Gibson
The dental device in most helpful to those with an under bite in which the dental appliance moves the bottom jaw outward relieving the under bite and thus bringing the base of the tongue forward out of the airway. Most obstructive apnea patients require more than a dental appliance. CPAP is the best way at this point in time to “cure” sleep apnea.
July 8, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Paul B.
Let’s not forget that Reggie White also had a disease called sarcoidosis.
July 8, 2008 at 3:50 pm
sleepwellandlive
Paul, yes he did. And it contributed to his death, as well. I’m very aware of sarcoidosis, having lost a friend to it at age 46 in 1991. There were a combination of factors in Reggie’s case. Please feel free sometime to visit the website of the Reggie White Sleep Disorders Research & Education Foundation, which was co-founded by Reggie’s wife, Sara, and the Sleep Wellness Institute: http://www.reggiewhitesleepdisordersfoundation.org
Steve Gardner