NFL
It doesn’t appear that the majority people’s genuine shock over Junior Seau’s death due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound is not going to die away any time soon. The USA Today published a report on their website that highlights Junior Seau’s long-time struggle with insomnia and its possible connection with concussions, head trauma and finally the suicide incident.The report is based on information collected from 50 of Junior Seau’s relatives and close ones. At least four of Junior Seau’s friends told that Junior Seau had insomnia and took prescription drugs to treat the condition. Although Junior Seau used the sleeping pull Ambien, still he could not fulfill his regular nights’ sleep requirements.
Nancy Emsley, who attended the same as Junior Seau was aware of the legendary linebackers’ problem with insomnia.
"He told me he usually woke up around 1 or 2 (a.m.) and couldn't go back to sleep," said Nancy Emsley.
However, despite Nancy Emsley’s repeatedly emphasized on completing an 8-hour sleep pattern following the ingestion of the Ambien pills, Junior Seau took no head and treated the warning as a joke.
“He just rolled his eyes,” recalled Nancy Emsley.
Although Junior Seau was very talented at hiding his personal problems, his immediate family received another red flag just a month before the 43-year-old’s suicide. Junior Seau’s 11-year-old son, Hunter, with ex-wife Gina, was on a visit at his father’s residence when he awoke one night late at 3.am to let out the dog. Hunter reportedly saw a light turned on in Junior Seau’s room. Upon entrance he found Junior Seau staring blankly at the Tv screen while it was actually turned off.
Junior Seau’s concerned son inquired, “Dad, are you OK?”
“Yes, son, I’m fine,” was Junior Seau’s simple dismissive reply.
However, Junior Seau’s insomnia was not a recent development and can actually be traced back to a 7 years old incident involving the 12-time Pro Bowler’s 1991 San Diego Chargers’ teammate Mark Walczak. The tight end was in Miami to visit Junior Seau when he was playing for the Miami Dolphins in 2005 and noticed him taking a prescription drug.
"I know he's had a very difficult time sleeping over the years," said Mark Walczak in an interview. "I think it's gotten worse and worse. Lack of sleep creates huge anxiety."
Ambien, which is more widely known by its brand name rather than generic name zolpidem contains frightening guidelines for those suffering from depression, with the suggestion to immediately fall-off the Ambien as it can it can instill suicidal tendencies. Patients are further guided to avoid taking Ambien if they cannot attain a standard 8-hours’ sleep after the pill.
Junior Seau reportedly also regularly ingested alcohol, even though I has been strictly forbidden after a patient takes Ambien.
Studies have shown that concussions can lead to insomnia. A record was never kept for the number of concussions that Junior Seau sustained throughout his 20-year NFL career.
Many were hoping that donation of Junior Seau’ brain for research could reveal the aftermath of the multiple concussions the linebacker sustained in his NFL career. However, the Seau family has not publicly come forth with a decision on the issue just yet.
