“Tomorrow is not a promise,” football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp’s grandmother used to tell him. Well, that old adage may be truer for defensive linemen – like Warren Sapp – who are twice as likely to die before the age of 50. In fact, the average age for someone in the NFL is 55 compared to the national average of 77.6. But defensive players – with their larger than life stature and size – are especially at risk; mainly because of conditions like obstructive sleep apnea. But Warren Sapp was determined to beat the odds, which is why he decided to get tested for the sleep disorder.
For those of you out there that don’t know who Warren Sapp is – he blazed through his career, first playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then the Oakland Raiders, earning a Super Bowl win, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and he created a unique defensive tackle style that is still imitated today. In retirement, Sapp is spending his time as a sports analyst – amongst a number of other disparate activities. Sapp is also focused on spreading awareness about the life-threatening condition known as obstructive sleep apnea.
Concerned about his excessive snoring and learning about all the health risks of sleep apnea, Sapp was resolute about getting to get to the bottom of his condition. At first, he underwent a traditional sleep study – at a lab. He was strapped to wires, gizmos and gadgets. He was also monitored throughout the night by a sleep technician. But the results weren’t as accurate and Sapp despised the experience – vowing never to do another lab sleep test again. That is the reason why Sapp’s doctor recommended undergoing a home sleep test, which allowed him the comfort of testing himself.
Indeed, there are a lot of benefits of undergoing a home sleep test. For one, it is incredibly convenient – you don’t need to drive out of your way to get tested. Also, it is comfortable – you are in your own bed, in your own home, so your test results are often more accurate. Best of all, home sleep tests are more affordable – a traditional lab test can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $4,000; a home sleep test is a literal fraction of that cost. Basically, you get much more for less, which is always a big plus.
Based on his home sleep test results, Warren Sapp was formally diagnosed with sleep apnea. And after undergoing CPAP treatment, he is sleeping better and there are fewer symptoms, like excess snoring, which was keeping his bed partner up at night. Now, he spends his life spreading the word about how deadly the condition can be – he also urges the importance of seeking help as soon as they start noticing their own symptoms, which could include snoring, fatigue, morning headaches and so on.
In the end, your best option is to test yourself for the sleep disorder – in the comfort of your own home. In fact, Easy Breathe’s Home Sleep Test Package is by far the easiest, most convenient and most effective way to get a proper diagnosis for obstructive sleep apnea. All you have to do is sign up for the sleep test, fill out a questionnaire and you’ll receive the test package in the mail. Once you send back the findings, a physician will review the results. Soon enough, you’ll have a prescription in your hands that you can use to start picking out a CPAP machine and supplies. So, take it from Warren Sapp and get tested today, because tomorrow really isn’t a promise.
Source: zyppahpro. “Sleep Apnea Prevention Project – Home Sleep Test,” 1.24.14
