Are You Ready For Some Football?

Although football season is still a month or so away, many of us are already dusting off the tailgating gear in anticipation of another fun season. Here in Knoxville, Tennessee, we've refined Tailgating to a T. On most football Saturdays you'll find me either partying on the river with the Vol Navy, or swapping lies with the poker gang up by Neyland Stadium. Not to throw a damper on the enthusiasm, but it's worth pointing out that there will be a silent and deadly player also taking the field this September. A report by EmaxHealth today talks about the high prevalence of sleep apnea among football players. This received some attention late last year when obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was thought to be a complicating factor in the death of NFL defensive great Reggie White. A recent study published in the New England Journal of medicine shows that well over a third of professional football linemen suffer from sleep apnea. Even though these athletes are in top-notch physical condition, they are genetically predisposed to OSA due to large necks and high body mass. "Many physicians have never considered such a diagnosis in young, healthy individuals because sleep apnea was previously thought to be associated with middle aged or older individuals" says Charles George, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Western Ontario who was the principle investigator for the research. The bottom line is that sleep apnea occurs in all age groups including younger people who are otherwise perfectly healthy. If you think you have obstructive sleep apnea, or you know someone who does, don't delay contacting a doctor. It's not just a quality of life issue, it's a matter of life and death. If you need to find a board certified sleep physician in your area, email me. -Shawn