Sleep apnea awareness has been on something of a winning streak lately, thanks in part to a number of former National Football League (NFL) players discussing their battles with the dangerous affliction.
Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell recently disclosed how the symptoms of sleep apnea caused him to nod off in team meetings and lose focus on the football field. Meanwhile, two former San Diego Chargers players—offensive lineman Aaron Taylor and kicker Rolf Benirschke—are collaborating on a sleep apnea patient support program.
Sleep apnea, of course, is not limited to football players and other athletes. Tens of millions of Americans suffer from this sleep disorder, which can lead to potentially fatal health complications.
In fact, NFL Hall of Fame defensive lineman Reggie White suffered from sleep apnea and died in 2004 from cardiac arrhythmia, one of the most common risks of untreated sleep apnea. After White’s death, his wife cofounded the Reggie White Sleep Disorders & Education Foundation to raise awareness about sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.