Athletes are often seen as the pinnacle of health: strong, fast, and incredibly fit. So, it may come as a surprise that they also experience sleep apnea at a higher rate than the general population. While sleep apnea is commonly associated with obesity or aging, active individuals, especially those in high-impact or endurance sports, are uniquely prone to this disruptive sleep disorder.

Advanced Homecare is here to help people who struggle with snoring, daytime fatigue, and poor sleep quality. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, sleep apnea may be the culprit. But why are these high-performing individuals at greater risk? Let’s break it down.

The Physiology of an Athlete

Active individuals push their bodies to the limit, but sometimes that physical intensity comes with unintended consequences. One of the biggest factors in sleep apnea risk is airway anatomy. For many active people, their very muscle mass can work against them.

Take powerlifters or football players, for example. Their necks, often 17 inches or larger, mean greater muscle mass around the throat, which can put excess pressure on the airway during sleep. This makes it more likely for the airway to collapse, leading to the characteristic pauses in breathing that define sleep apnea.

Even endurance athletes like runners and cyclists tend to be leaner and aren’t immune. Years of high-intensity training can lead to an enlarged heart (a condition known as athlete’s heart). In some cases the heart can press against the airway, making breathing more difficult at night. And let’s not forget the nasal and throat inflammation that can come from heavy breathing during workouts, especially in colder or polluted environments, another potential contributor to airway obstruction.

The Hidden Impact of High Oxygen Demand

Active bodies thrive on oxygen. They’re conditioned to maximize oxygen efficiency for peak performance, but ironically, sleep apnea deprives them of this crucial element. When breathing stops during sleep, blood oxygen levels drop. This triggers the brain to jolt the body awake just enough to restart breathing. This cycle repeats dozens, sometimes hundreds of times per night, leaving the active person exhausted despite spending a full eight hours in bed.

For someone whose entire career depends on recovery, reaction time, and endurance, this is a serious problem. Poor sleep due to apnea can lead to slower reflexes, reduced muscle recovery, and even an increased risk of injury. It’s no wonder that many elite athletes who suffer from sleep apnea report hitting performance plateaus until they get treated.

Weight Gain and Sleep Apnea: A Vicious Cycle

Active people, especially retired or injured ones, may also struggle with sleep apnea due to weight gain. When training volume decreases but caloric intake remains high, weight can creep up. Excess weight, particularly around the neck and midsection, puts additional pressure on the airway, making apnea episodes more frequent and severe.

The frustrating part? Sleep apnea itself contributes to weight gain. Poor sleep disrupts hormone regulation, leading to increased hunger and cravings for high-calorie foods. It also reduces the body’s ability to burn fat efficiently, making it harder to maintain an athletic physique.

This creates a vicious cycle: sleep apnea causes fatigue, which leads to decreased motivation to exercise, which results in weight gain, further worsening sleep apnea. Breaking this cycle with proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial for maintaining both health and performance.

Concussions and Brain Function

For contact-sport athletes, such as football or hockey players, the risk of sleep apnea can also be tied to concussions. Head trauma can disrupt the brain’s ability to regulate breathing during sleep, a condition known as central sleep apnea. Unlike the more common obstructive sleep apnea (caused by airway blockage), central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to breathe.

Learn about the different types of sleep apnea and the treatment for each here!

Athletes with a history of multiple concussions may experience both forms of sleep apnea. This can compound their sleep problems and overall health risks. Sleep-disordered breathing has even been linked to cognitive decline in former athletes, making early diagnosis and treatment even more critical.

How Active Individuals Can Manage Sleep Apnea

The good news? Sleep apnea is highly treatable, and many athletes who seek treatment see major improvements in their performance, energy levels, and overall well-being. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the gold standard. It helps to keep airways open with a steady stream of pressurized air throughout the night.

For those looking for alternatives, oral appliances, positional therapy, and even lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and nasal breathing exercises, can also help. The key is getting tested. Many athletes go undiagnosed because they assume their daytime fatigue is just a side effect of training. But if you’re waking up tired, struggling with recovery, or hearing complaints about your snoring, it might be time to get checked.
At Advanced Homecare, we specialize in coordinating sleep studies and CPAP solutions tailored to your needs. If you suspect sleep apnea is affecting your performance, recovery, or overall health, don’t wait; schedule a sleep study today and take the first step toward better sleep and better performance.