6 Famous People That Have Sleep Apnea

You may be reluctant to admit that you have sleep apnea, but it’s nothing to be embarrassed about; more people than you realize struggle with this sleep disorder. In fact, it’s estimated that around 39 million adults in the United States are affected by sleep apnea – and that number includes more than a few celebrities. Here are 6 examples of famous people who have been affected by sleep-disordered breathing.

1. Shaquille O’Neal

Retired basketball player Shaquille O’Neal was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea during a sleep study performed by Harvard. According to the diagnosis, his tongue routinely collapses during the night and blocks the flow of air. He sometimes experiences as many as 72 pauses in his breathing in just one hour while he’s asleep.

2. William Shatner

Known for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, William Shatner was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2016. He keeps his disorder under control with the help of a CPAP machine; he says that the treatment has had a positive impact on his life.

3. Rosie O’Donnell

Famous television personality Rosie O’Donnell has openly discussed her experience with sleep apnea. She was diagnosed with the help of a home sleep test. Luckily, a single night of using CPAP treatment to manage her condition made a major difference.

4. Amy Poehler

Famous comedian and actress Amy Poehler has suffered from sleep apnea for most of her life. In fact, she says she has been told that her snoring is so loud that it often sounds like she is choking. Her experience is often cited as an example that sleep apnea truly can affect anybody; the disorder is more common among men, but women can develop it as well.

5. Shonda Lynn Rhimes

Shonda Lynn Rhimes is well known for being the showrunner and creator of Grey’s Anatomy as well as other popular dramas. She has reported that sleep apnea has had a significant impact on her quality of life, as the disorder frequently leaves her feeling exhausted.

6. Randy Jackson

Randy Jackson is best known for being a judge on American Idol. Not only was he diagnosed with sleep apnea, but he also found out that he has type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, after losing weight and undergoing appropriate types of treatment, he has greatly improved the quality of his sleep.

What Can You Do About Sleep Apnea?

If you’re also suffering from sleep apnea, you’re probably wondering what solutions are available. CPAP therapy is often recommended, but if you don’t want to have to worry about a noisy, bulky CPAP machine, you may want to consider asking a sleep dentist for a personalized oral appliance. Additionally, losing weight and making certain adjustments to your lifestyle can also be beneficial. Reach out to an expert today to start exploring your treatment options.

About the Author

Dr. Robert Dernick opened his first dental practice in The Woodlands in 1980. He has since gained a reputation as a very caring and skilled dentist. He has spent time studying the field of sleep dentistry and is able to offer his patients custom-made oral appliances to treat sleep apnea. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dernick, visit his website or call (281) 783-3419.