"Barry Sanders Opens Up About Health Scare and Sleep Apnea"

NFL Legend Barry Sanders Opens Up About his Health Struggle

Even though it's technically the offseason for the NFL, football is still in the spotlight with the upcoming draft. One player who made headlines during his career is Barry Sanders, who recently shared about a health scare that led to a significant diagnosis.

Sanders, who played for the Detroit Lions throughout his career before retiring in 1999, is considered one of the greatest NFL running backs of all time. Last year, over Father's Day weekend, he suffered a heart attack, which eventually led to a diagnosis of sleep apnea.

According to the American Medical Association, approximately 30 million Americans have sleep apnea, but only about 6 million have been officially diagnosed. This condition not only disrupts oxygen flow during sleep but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Now, Sanders has teamed up with Sleep Number, a mattress company, to promote a new app that detects breathing issues during sleep.

Barry Sanders: Last June, I had a heart attack, which was a wake-up call for me. Following the diagnosis of sleep apnea, I've learned the importance of quality sleep and its impact on overall health.

The Healthy: How did your heart attack relate to the sleep apnea diagnosis, and what made you focus on this aspect of health?

Barry Sanders: The diagnosis of sleep apnea made me realize the seriousness of sleep health and its connection to overall well-being. It's not just about feeling tired after a poor night's sleep; it goes much deeper. Over 100 million people snore, and in my case, it was a sign of sleep apnea. That's why I'm excited about Sleep Number's BreatheIQ app, which analyzes snoring patterns and provides insights on potential health issues.

The Healthy: How did retirement impact your health routines, and what advice do you have for others in a similar situation?

Barry Sanders: Retirement brought significant changes to my physical and mental well-being. Maintaining an active lifestyle and focusing on sleep health became crucial for me. It's essential to take care of yourself as you age, including looking after your sleep quality. I encourage people to visit BreatheIQ.com to improve their sleep health.

The Healthy: What self-care habit do you prioritize?

Barry Sanders: Quality sleep is non-negotiable for me. Learning how snoring impacted my sleep and oxygen intake was eye-opening. Rest plays a vital role in overall health.

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader's Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram.

• NFL Hall of Famer John Elway Discusses His Rare Condition
• Emmitt Smith Takes One for the Team in a New Prostate Health Campaign
• ESPN's Hannah Storm Celebrates a Year in Remission
• SNL's Kenan Thompson on Girl Dad Life and Late-Night McDonald's

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

The post NFL Legend Barry Sanders Discusses a Longtime Health Struggle appeared on The Healthy.