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Up to a third of linebackers in the National Football League have sleep-related breathing problems that may be putting them at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke and slowing their reaction time, researchers said on Wednesday.
The researchers said bulked-up high school and college football players may face similar risks stemming from sleep apnea, a serious form of snoring in which a person's breathing actually stops several times a night.
In tests conducted last summer on 52 NFL players, 34 percent of the linebackers -- defensive players responsible for stopping rushers and pass receivers -- were found to have the condition, which has been linked with a high rate of heart death.
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The researchers said bulked-up high school and college football players may face similar risks stemming from sleep apnea, a serious form of snoring in which a person's breathing actually stops several times a night.
In tests conducted last summer on 52 NFL players, 34 percent of the linebackers -- defensive players responsible for stopping rushers and pass receivers -- were found to have the condition, which has been linked with a high rate of heart death.
more...