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Sleep disruption and disorders in former college and professional American football players.

Authors :
Alosco, Michael L.
Adler, Charles
Dodick, David W.
Balcer, Laura
Bernick, Charles B.
Palmisano, Joseph
Tripodis, Yorghos
Cummings, Jeffrey L.
Reiman, Eric M.
Shenton, Martha E.
Stern, Robert A.
Banks, Sarah J.
Source :
Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association; Dec2021 Supplement S5, Vol. 17, p1-1, 1p
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Background: Little is known about sleep in those with a history of contact sports, who are at increased risk for neurodegenerative disease(s). Sleep disruption and disorders are increasingly recognized as having a bidirectional relationship with Alzheimer's disease neuropathology. Here, we investigated self‐reported sleep disruption and disorders in male former college and professional American football players. Method: 116 former National Football League (NFL) players, 60 former college football players, and 60 asymptomatic men without a history of traumatic brain injury or repetitive head impacts (controls), all between 45‐74 years, completed the Mayo Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ) which includes the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Former American football players were enrolled across the spectrum of symptom severity (asymptomatic to mild dementia). Using binary logistic regression or analysis of covariance, comparisons (controlling for age, racial identity, body mass index, APOE e4 status) on each of the MSQ items and the ESS were made between each of the study groups. Result: Compared to controls, former NFL players were more likely to restless legs (OR = 7.32, 95% CI = 1.63‐32.97*), sleepwalking (OR = 8.65, 95% CI = 1.08‐69.22*), observed apnea (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.04‐4.85*), lower alertness levels (marginal mean diff. = 0.90**) and had higher ESS (marginal mean diff. = 2.37**). Former college football players reported greater sleep disturbances compared with controls: restless legs (OR = 10.82, 95% CI = 1.86‐62.89**), sleepwalking (OR = 10.45, 95% CI = 1.12‐97.58*), alertness levels (marginal mean diff. = 1.48**) and ESS (marginal mean diff. = 2.76*). There were no college vs control differences for observed apnea. There were no differences between former NFL players and former college football players on any sleep metric. **p<.005, *p<.05. Conclusion: Sleep disturbances may be an important factor to investigate in those with a history of participation in American football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
15525260
Volume :
17
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
154463176
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.056137