CBS College Football analyst and former NFL player Aaron Taylor spoke about his experience with obstructive sleep apnea in a special supplement in this weekend’s edition of USA Today. Taylor is partnering with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine to raise public awareness of the sleep disorder.
The death of friend and teammate Reggie White, who likely had sleep apnea, served as a wake-up call for Taylor. His suspicions about his own sleep were confirmed when he had a sleep study and was diagnosed with sleep apnea.
Today, Taylor treats his sleep apnea with CPAP therapy at home and an oral appliance on the road. The treatment has changed his life. He’s no longer chronically exhausted.
“I’ve become a better husband and father because I’m well-rested and energetic throughout the day,” Taylor told the AASM.
Taylor is sharing his story in hopes that he can help others improve their health through better sleep.
“I’m promoting public awareness of sleep apnea and partnering with the AASM because I feel so much gratitude towards my sleep team for the drastic improvement my treatment has made in every part of my life. I share my story because I hope everyone who suffers from sleep illness can achieve the same – better rest and a longer, healthier life.”
Aaron’s story will be featured later this month on CNN’s “Human Factor.” Look for more information about the program on this website in the coming weeks.
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, seek help from a board-certified sleep medicine physician at an AASM-accredited sleep center.
