It strikes when they sleep.
A recent study suggests that mild sleep apnea may be more prevalent among female college athletes than previously recognized. Researchers found that about 25% of a group of 68 athletes showed signs of the condition. These findings were shared during a presentation at an American College of Cardiology conference held in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Austin Rim, a cardiology fellow at Emory University and the study’s lead author, noted that overall sleep quality was generally poor in this group. Over a third of the athletes reported poor sleep, and nearly a quarter said they struggled to stay awake during meals or social interactions at least once in the past month. Rim emphasized that improving sleep habits could be a straightforward way to enhance athletes’ health.
While sleep apnea has been examined in male athletes before, its presence among female athletes has received far less attention. For this study, researchers recruited participants from two U.S. universities, focusing on sports like softball, volleyball, and basketball. They evaluated the athletes’ sleep patterns, nighttime oxygen levels, and blood pressure to assess their risk.
Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep due to blocked airways. This can result in loud snoring, gasping, and frequent awakenings. The study found that athletes with more lean body mass and those who were older were more likely to experience these disruptions.
Dr. Rim pointed out that symptoms like persistent fatigue despite a full night’s sleep, loud snoring, or choking during sleep could signal sleep apnea in athletes. While these results are promising, the researchers cautioned that they are preliminary and further large-scale studies are needed. Future research may explore whether treating mild sleep apnea in athletes helps reduce cardiovascular risks.
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