When retired NFL star Junior Seau died in an apparent suicide at his Oceanside, California home in early May, the news stunned everyone -- including his family and friends. Its unclear why the 43-year-old would take his own life, though there's much speculation, but a new report reveals that he suffered from insomnia and regularly took the prescription drug Ambien.
According to a USA Today report, at least four of Seau's friends said he regularly took Ambien, a drug usually prescribed for sleep disorders. The FDA-approved drug includes warnings that suicidal thoughts or actions have been reported by depressed patients using that class of drugs.
Nancy Emsley, who frequented the same gym as Seau, told USA Today that she repeatedly stressed to Seau the importance of getting eight hours of sleep after taking an Ambien pill.
"He told me he usually woke up around 1 or 2 (a.m.) and couldn't go back to sleep," Emsley said.
Instructions also say that tell users not to
take Ambien if they consume alcohol -- which friends said Seau did -- or if they are unable to get a full eight hours of sleep.
Mark Walczak, Seau's former teammate with the San Diego Chargers, told USA Today he witnessed Seau taking a prescription sleeping pill in 2005, when Seau played for the Miami Dolphins. "I know he's had a very difficult time sleeping over the years," Walczak told USA Today. "I think it's gotten worse and worse. Lack of sleep creates huge anxiety."
Seau was found shot to death at his home on May 2. His death has been ruled a suicide.
Obviously, no one will ever know what truly pushed him over the edge, but a mixture of insomnia and Ambien would have been a factor.
Seau's family has since revealed that they will allow researchers to study his brain for signs of damage caused by concussions suffered during his 20-year NFL career.
Knowing the signs of insomnia and proper treatment can make all the difference.
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