6 Celebrities Who Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can result in numerous negative effects, like chronic fatigue, mood changes, irritability, and lack of focus. If you find out that you have sleep apnea, you aren’t alone. Sleep apnea affects more than 20 million people in the United States, and celebrities aren’t excluded from this number. Here are some of the popular stars out there who are also suffering from sleep apnea.

William Shatner

William Shatner is another popular celebrity who has sleep apnea. In order to manage this condition, he uses a CPAP machine while he sleeps. A CPAP works by continuously pushing air into the airway at a pressure that is high enough to prevent it from collapsing and causing apnea. The pressurized air is provided through a mask that covers your mouth or nose, allowing you to breathe easily and sleep without constantly waking.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr is an American actress, comedian, writer, and television producer. These days, she is spending her time living in Hawaii. Due to her snoring, her husband often had a difficult time sleeping through the night. She ended up undergoing a sleep study where her doctor diagnosed her with sleep apnea. It was recommended that she utilize CPAP treatment to manage the condition.

Randy Jackson

Randy Jackson was a judge on American Idol for 12 seasons. He was diagnosed with both sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes. Today, he claims that he sleeps better at night and feels more energetic after losing weight and seeking treatment.

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Something that you might not know about him is that he suffers from severe sleep apnea. He was first diagnosed with this condition when he participated in a Harvard sleep study. In an interview, he said that he stops breathing 72 times per hour, causing him to wake up panting.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell is an American comedian, actress, author, and television personality. After undergoing a home sleep test, she learned that she has sleep apnea. After just one night of using a CPAP machine, she felt a life-changing difference!

Amy Poehler

American actress, comedian, director, producer, and writer, Amy Poehler, was told that she snores so loudly that it sounds like she’s choking. When speaking about her CPAP machine, she stated, “ You know it’s good for you but most of the time you don’t feel like it.”

Sleep apnea doesn’t discriminate. If you have been experiencing symptoms, it is worthwhile to get tested. This way, you can work to get the quality sleep you deserve to thrive!

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack earned her dental doctorate from Baylor College of Dentistry, graduating with honors in 1998. Since 2005, she has attended numerous continuing education courses about airway obstruction, snoring, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). Currently, she is a proud member of many professional organizations, including the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Dental Association, and the Texas Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Weatherford, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.