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The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in an elite rugby union team using in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) and sleep questionnaires. Twenty-five elite rugby union players underwent a night of PSG during the "off-season" of the Super Rugby competition to assess their sleep. Of interest were measurements that detected the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; apnea-hypopnea index ≥5 events/hr) and the presence of moderate-severe periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMs; ≥15 events/hr). Players completed sleep-related questionnaires to assess daytime sleepiness, perception of insomnia, risk of OSA, and the presence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and underwent basic anthropometric assessments including body mass index and neck circumference. OSA was present in 24% (n=6) of players and PLMs ≥15 events/hr in 12% (n=3). Questionnaire responses showed that all players had insomnia defined subthreshold insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness, two players were identified as being at risk for OSA and none were classified as having RLS. In conclusion, sleep disorders and excessive sleepiness are common in elite rugby union players. A process to identify and manage sleep disorders should be considered by teams to optimise their physical recovery, athletic performance and to safeguard their health.

During a prospective six year study from 1972-1978 there were 894 admissions to a haematemesis and melaena unit. In 162 admissions bleeding was due to acute gastric ulceration, an incidence of 18%. The group comprised 157 patients, five patients being admitted on two occasions. There were 12 deaths (7%), seven after surgery and five in conservatively treated patients. A significant fall in incidence of admissions was noted in the final two year period of study. The reason for this is unknown as no other cause of haematemesis and melaena showed a similar fall in incidence. In addition over this two year period patients with acute ulceration followed a more benign course and required surgery less often.