The Denver Post details how the NHL and NHLPA formed a joint committee to study the use of Ambien by league players, and will make recommendations for monitoring and controls based on its findings by June 30.
"It's certainly an important issue, which is why we put some things in the CBA," NHLPA spokesman Jonathan Weatherdon said. "Things like the practices no earlier than nine hours later after landing, where hopefully you don't have a situation where players have to rely on sleeping pills, because they have more time to sleep and they don't have to rush to get to sleep because of an early-morning practice. Teams have tightened up on the use of Ambien and are making sure that guys are educated on making sure they are taking it as prescribed."
Ambien can be dangerous when not taken as prescribed. It's intended to be a temporary aid for sleep, with eight hours of rest necessary after ingestion. Performing actions that require alertness, such as driving, while under the effects of the drug can be dangerous. It can be habit-forming. Mixed with alcohol, it can be deadly.
Avalanche defenseman Ryan O'Byrne has been in the NHL since 2007. While he doesn't believe Ambien use is a big problem leaguewide, Derek Boogaard's death is a cautionary tale, O'Byrne said.
"Used properly, it can be a helpful drug. But obviously, there's been circumstances when it's been overused," O'Byrne said. "But sleep is an issue, especially in the Western Conference. We get in later than teams in the East, and when you have to play again the next night, or have a practice the same morning, it can be tough to get enough rest."
The Avalanche wouldn't comment on anything related to prescription drug procedures with players, which the new CBA mandates must be monitored by teams. Weatherdon said players can refuse any medication prescribed by a team if they're not comfortable using it.
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