NFL Stars With Sleep Apnea

Did you know that roughly 1/3 of NFL players suffer from sleep apnea?¹

That statistic may be surprising, but it makes sense that the size and strength required to be a pro-football player can also increase health problems off the field. However, with the help of their CPAP treatment, NFL stars with sleep apnea were still able to be at the top of their game. Here’s a list of some of the greatest NFL athletes who were diagnosed with sleep apnea!

• Ryan Jensen
• Brett Favre
• Reggie White
• Warren Sapp

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Ryan Jensen

“I honestly think that if I wouldn’t have got diagnosed and caught it within time, I wouldn’t be in the NFL anymore,” says Jensen.² At the beginning of his NFL career, Jensen was losing his strength and feeling restless after a full 8 hours of sleep. This affected his performance, and resulted in him being cut from the Baltimore Ravens’ roster.

Jensen father suggested he get tested for sleep apnea. After just one month of sleep therapy, Jensen grew stronger and returned to the Ravens.

Whether your career depends on CPAP like Jensen, it’s safe to say your life wouldn’t be the same without it. That’s why health insurance often covers essential sleep therapy supplies.

• Check your insurance

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Shop CPAP Masks

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Brett Favre

During his 16 seasons with the Packers, Brett Favre was the first and only NFL player to win three consecutive AP MVP awards, and helped his team win Super Bowl XXXI. He would not have been able to lead his team to victory if he didn’t use his CPAP.

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Reggie White

NFL legend, aka the “Minister of Defense,” played defensive end for 15 seasons and 13 consecutive Pro Bowls.

White passed in his sleep at the young age of 43 due to his untreated sleep apnea.³

• Book a free assessment

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Warren Sapp

7-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Warren Sapp was honored NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1999. He struggled with poor sleep for years before seeking treatment.

Since then, he has “made a firm commitment to prevent undiagnosed sleep apnea from threatening my life and the lives of millions like me.”⁴

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Using a CPAP is the first step to maintaining your health.

It’s also important to routinely clean your CPAP equipment for the most effective sleep therapy.