Brentford Captain Christian Nørgaard Opens Up About Sleeping Pill Concerns
In a candid revelation that has caught the attention of the football world, Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard has shared his fears about potentially becoming addicted to sleeping pills. The 31-year-old midfielder, who has been with Brentford since 2019, opened up about his struggles with sleep and the measures he took to address them.
Nørgaard’s journey with sleeping pills began during his time at his former club, Brondby. He recalls a pivotal moment that marked the start of his dependency. “I really clearly remember when it [first] happened,” Nørgaard told the BBC. It was before a significant cup game in Denmark, and the pressure of the match led to a restless night. “I had a bad night’s sleep and I brought those thoughts to the game and I was like, ‘What if I don’t play well now because I’ve slept bad?'” he explained.
This anxiety about sleep soon became a recurring pattern for Nørgaard. “That became my thinking pattern before the next game, ‘I need to sleep before the game otherwise I’ll be a disaster in the game’. So that’s why you have to break those patterns up,” he added. The fear of underperforming due to lack of sleep drove him to rely on sleeping pills, a habit he knew he needed to break.
Fortunately, Nørgaard found support at Brentford through the club’s “sleep coach,” Anna West. Her guidance has been instrumental in helping him manage his sleep issues without resorting to medication. However, Nørgaard acknowledges that the problem of sleeping pill dependency is one that often goes unnoticed in the world of sports.
His concerns were further highlighted by the experiences of former Tottenham Hotspur and Everton player Aaron Lennon. In 2023, Lennon revealed that he had spent six months in rehab for sleeping pill addiction and mental health issues. Nørgaard found Lennon’s story both tough and touching, realizing how close he had come to a similar fate.
“It was tough to watch but it was also touching and it was quite emotional for someone like me who struggled with it and could have maybe ended up being addicted to these sleeping tablets,” Nørgaard said. The experience prompted him to express gratitude to Anna West for her support. “I remember sending a text to our sleeping coach Anna to say thank you for the things we’ve been working on because this is a clear picture of how bad it can go,” he shared.
Nørgaard’s story sheds light on a broader issue that extends beyond football. “It’s a topic that has maybe been going a bit under the radar. I think now it’s getting emphasised, not only in football but in general, how important it is,” he concluded.
- Christian Nørgaard feared addiction to sleeping pills.
- His dependency began at Brondby before a crucial cup game.
- Brentford’s sleep coach, Anna West, helped him manage the issue.
- Former player Aaron Lennon’s rehab story resonated with Nørgaard.
- Nørgaard emphasizes the importance of addressing sleep issues in sports.
As the conversation around mental health and well-being in sports continues to grow, Nørgaard’s openness serves as a reminder of the pressures athletes face and the importance of seeking help when needed. His story is a testament to the power of support systems and the need for awareness around issues that often remain hidden.
Originally Written by: Reuters
