8. People with sleep apnea have increased risk of sudden death
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
More than one billion people worldwide have obstructive sleep apnea, a reduction or complete blockage of airflow during sleep. Affected individuals can have excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, heavy snoring, and non-restful sleep. In a new study in the journal BMJ Open Respiratory Research, Penn State researchers collected data on over 42,000 people across the world. Those with obstructive sleep apnea were approximately twice as likely to experience sudden death than those who did not have the sleep condition. We have known that sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and many other health conditions. But this link to sudden death makes it more important to identify and treat individuals with the condition.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.