Prince Fielder diagnosed with sleep apnea after startling test
Earlier this week Texas Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder was sent back to Dallas to undergo testing for sleeping issues that have plagued him recently. And it’s a good thing he was, because the results of those tests were alarming.
According to the Dallas Morning News, tests at the Arlington Sleep Center determined that Fielder has sleep apnea, a potentially serious disorder in which breathing stops and starts during the night. In Fielder’s case, it was truly a life-threatening situation as his tests revealed he’d stopped breathing 39 times in one hour.
[2016 Yahoo Fantasy Baseball is open for business. Sign up now]
“I wasn’t breathing in my sleep,” Fielder told reporters after returning to camp on Friday. “They gave me a mask so I could sleep. They said if you stop breathing 30 times an hour while you’re sleeping, that’s extreme. I was at 39.”
Fielder says he felt like he was sleeping long hours, but wasn’t feeling rested. Once he told the Rangers of his issues he was immediately sent to be checked out. It’s a good thing they did, and it’s a good thing Fielder didn’t try to tough it out., because receiving treatment now may have saved his life.
”My wife told me I always snored loudly and stopped breathing in my sleep,” Fielder said. ”You don’t feel it as much when you’re young, but as you get older, it affects you more. I wasn’t panicking, but I wanted to make sure.”
In 2004, Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White died from obstructive sleep apnea, which highlights the importance of being diagnosed and treated quickly.
The good news is Fielder was able to do just that, and is already feeling better just knowing his issues can be treated. In fact, he felt good enough on Friday to return to the Rangers’ lineup against his former team, the Milwaukee Brewers. He ended up walking once in three plate appearances while playing four innings at first base.
Fielder’s teammates did their part in welcoming him back as well. Though they understand he’s dealing with a serious issue, they tried to lighten the mood by presenting him with some special gifts.
For now, there are no plans for Fielder to undergo the same reconstructive jaw surgery that former Ranger Mike Napoli required to treat his sleep apnea. Napoli had the surgery prior to the 2015 season and went on to have a short but productive stay in Texas. He hit .295/.396/.513 with five home runs and 10 RBI over 35 games after being acquired from the Boston Red Sox.
[MLB season preview: Is Mike Trout enough to make the Angels win?]
Fielder will use a sleep mask and a breathing apparatus and hope that proves to be adequate, though obviously his condition will be monitored closely in the weeks and months ahead.
Though an estimated 18 million Americans, or 6.62 percent of the population, have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s rare to hear of an active professional athlete falling into that category. Statistics aside though, we’re just happy to know that Fielder got his diagnosis soon enough and will be able to remain a healthy and productive player in MLB.
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
– – – – – – –
Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
