Having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be really frustrating for those who suffer from it because it can be a very difficult condition to live with. And because it is such a common condition that people all over the world can suffer from, many celebrities have come forward to say that they have struggled with sleep apnea over the years.
1. William Shatner
Anyone who has watched Star Trek knows who William Shatner is, but something that even die-hard fans may not know about him is that he has OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea). Shatner was diagnosed with sleep apnea over 10 years ago but found that like many others he didn’t know that he had the condition before he was diagnosed. Sleep apnea can often cause things like headaches, dry mouth and irritability, which is one of many ways that people can sense that they have the condition. It is said that Shatner is a firm advocate for CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy and he has been an ambassador for many different companies who create CPAP masks and machines over the last few years.
2. Rosie O’Donnell
It is commonly known that comedian Rosie O’Donnell suffers from obstructive sleep apnea as she has discussed it publicly on many occasions. She was formerly diagnosed in the early 2000s but felt ashamed to talk about the condition because of its link to obesity. Like many people who have been diagnosed with OSA, Rosie has tried CPAP therapy and has said that it helped her with her problems. Sleep apnea specialists like CPAP Direct offer a great range of products for people suffering from OSA, so you can sleep easier each night even if you have a serious sleep disorder.
3. Shaquille O’Neill
Shaquille ‘Shaq’ O’Neill is another celebrity that has said that he has sleep apnea. The former sports star was diagnosed after he completed a polysomnogram or sleep study and there were some irregularities found. This is one of the most common ways that doctors can diagnose OSA because they can figure out how often you stop breathing or awaken each night and thus determine how serious your condition is. Most doctors will recommend that you complete a sleep study before they will give your a formal diagnosis and recommend treatment, so this can be a crucial piece of the puzzle for those who suspect that they have sleep apnea.
4. Regis Philbin
The famous television host Regis Philbin has also been said to have OSA. This is not a surprise to a lot of his fans because most people know that he has had issues with heart disease in the past and has had heart bypass surgery. If you know anything about sleep apnea, you will know that the condition is often linked to heart issues such as high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm and heart failure. If you have a history of heart problems and are having trouble sleeping, make sure you ask your doctor about the link between these two conditions. Regis Philbin is also said to use CPAP therapy.
5. Amy Poehler
Although people who are overweight or elderly are more likely to develop sleep problems, sometimes people who are neither of these things may develop conditions like sleep apnea over time. Famous comedien Amy Poehler has been said to have sleep apnea, which her friends and family helped her figure out due to her heavy snoring and problems sleeping each night. Amy has said that she would often wake up a few times in the night and found it hard to get a good night’s rest, but would be very tired during the day. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause you to feel extremely tired during the day which can make you feel foggy and forgetful. Getting treatment for sleep apnea can help you to feel more mentally clear during the day, while helping you get a better sleep each night, which is what we all deserve.
There are many celebrities that are known to have sleep apnea and this is because it is such a common condition, that anyone can suffer from. If you have any pre-existing health conditions that affect areas like your heart, brain or lungs, you may be more likely to have this condition. If you or a family member suspect that you have sleep apnea based on any of the signs and symptoms, make sure you talk to your doctor regularly so that you can get the help that you need to live healthy with this condition.