How a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis Saved NFL Star’s Career

Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Mon 10/30/2017 - 09:00

Sleep is a necessary, restorative part of our day-to-day lives, and making sure you get the right kind of sleep could make an immeasurable difference in your quality of life. In this article, Dr. Ivan Stein, a sleep apnea specialist in New Jersey, talks about how important sleep can be to your career.         

The Case of Ryan Jensen

In 2016, NFL star Ryan Jensen began to notice changes in his performance. Despite sleeping for at least eight hours each night, he was losing weight, feeling drained of energy and strength, and not able to keep up with his required training routines. When his exhaustion and irritability began taking a toll on his relationships, he underwent a sleep study to try and get to the bottom of the problem. He was soon diagnosed with sleep apnea, and with the proper tools, was able to start experiencing truly restful sleep, allowing him to rescue his NFL career.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Situations like Mr. Jensen’s are all too common, but once the problem is identified, the effects of sleep apnea can usually be reversed. Here are some red flags to look out for if you think your sleep may be suffering:

• Chronic fatigue, even after long periods (8-10 hours) of sleep.
• Weight fluctuations, either by gaining or losing a significant amount in a short period of time.
• Increased irritability and other behavioral changes, which can impact your performance at work and your relationships with others.
• Decreased ability to focus, morning headaches and dry mouth.

Treatment Options

Luckily, there are solutions to sleep apnea available. After a sleep study that can lead to a clear diagnosis, patients are faced with a variety of treatment options. The most well-known is the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which continuously provides air to patients while they sleep. Many people do not care for the bulk and heft of this machine, in which case oral appliances are available as an effective alternative.

Working with a sleep specialist saved Ryan Jensen’s career, and the careers of countless others who scheduled a consultation when they began to notice signs of restless sleep. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ivan Stein, call New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions at (855) 949-7667.