Sleep apnea is surprisingly common in athletes and can quietly erode speed, strength, and recovery, even if you’re fit and train daily. When someone experiences quality sleep, their overall health can reach optimal levels by having regulated hormonal levels, increased cognitive awareness, and better decision-making which helps athletes perform better under pressure. When obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) interrupts this process through repeated breathing disruptions and fragmented sleep, the consequences ripple through every aspect of athletic pursuits.
Sleep Apnea in Elite Athletes
How common is sleep apnea in NFL players?
In the NFL, the prevalence of OSA is estimated to range from 14% to 19%. Among linemen specifically, that number jumps dramatically to about 50% prevalence among retired NFL linemen.
In order to perform at the level necessary to be a lineman in the NFL, most players have a higher BMI, waist circumference, and neck circumference. Even though weight loss is known to help reduce sleep apnea symptoms, for this population that course of treatment might not be possible - especially since these measures vary with body composition and don’t necessarily indicate the presence of obesity. There has been an increased awareness for screening NFL players for sleep apnea since Reggie White passed away from complications of untreated sleep apnea.
Other notable NFL players with sleep apnea:
- Tony Dorsett
- Warren Sapp
- Aaron Taylor
- Percy Harvin
- JaMarcus Russel
Over time, when sleep apnea is left untreated, other disorders can start to develop such as high blood pressure, increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.
Can bodybuilders and gym‑goers get sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can affect people that have very different body compositions and can be overlooked when someone appears to be in good physical health. Heavy strength training can lead to an increased neck circumference due to shoulder, chest, and trapezius (trap) exercises. With the neck having more muscle, it reduces the airway space and increases the likelihood for someone to experience breathing disruptions during sleep. For men, a neck circumference greater than 17 inches and for women greater than about 16 inches is a significant risk factor for OSA. This means that dedicated weightlifters and bodybuilders, despite having potential low body fat can experience sleep apnea symptoms.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Performance and Recovery?
Recovery is a critical part of any training, and a lot of recovery happens while you are sleeping. About 70% of your human growth hormone (HGH) is released during deep sleep. This hormone helps with tissue growth and muscle repair. Those who struggle with sleep apnea due to microawakenings throughout the night, the body might not be spending enough time in deep sleep to experience the full recovery process which can lead to muscle loss and decreased capacity to exercise.
Can Exercise Improve Sleep Apnea?
Exercise can help to improve OSA symptoms and improving overall health bydecreasing blood pressure, improving metabolic function, and reducing cardiovascular risk. OSA patients who exercised regularly were found to have a 32% decrease in AHI (AHI is the index that is used to measure the severity of sleep apnea symptoms and is a calculation of how many pauses in breathing occur over time).
What to do Next
The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can experience enhanced recovery, improved athletic performance, better cognitive function, and significantly reduced cardiovascular risk. Imagine waking up truly rested, tackling your workouts with real energy, and finally seeing the progress you've been working so hard for.
Ready to find out if sleep apnea is holding you back? Take our 2-minute sleep apnea quiz to understand your risk.
At Ognomy Sleep, we’re revolutionizing how sleep apnea is managed by offering streamlined, at-home care powered by technology—helping you connect with specialists quickly and experience meaningful results in a matter of weeks. If you think you are suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea, our team can help with personalized testing and therapy. Schedule a telehealth appointment today to discuss the wide range of treatment options available for optimal sleep, and optimal health.
FAQ for Atheletes and Sleep Apnea
Can fit people have sleep apnea?
Yes! OSA isn't just about obesity or being out of shape. Athletes and gym-goers can develop sleep apnea due to increased neck circumference from muscle mass, anatomical factors, and body composition. Research shows around 30% OSA prevalence in contact sports athletes, and even lean, healthy-weight athletes can be affected by factors beyond body fat.
How does sleep apnea affect exercise recovery?
Sleep apnea disrupts deep sleep stages when approximately 70% of natural growth hormone is released. This impairs muscle repair processes, prolongs soreness, and reduces strength gains.
Why do so many NFL players have sleep apnea?
NFL players face multiple risk factors for OSA: large waist circumference, high BMI (even when it comes from muscle mass rather than fat), and increased neck circumference. Linemen show over 50% OSA prevalence due to the size and body composition required for their position.
