Celebrities often seem larger than life. Between the red carpets, movie premieres, and packed tour schedules, it’s easy to forget that they face the same health challenges as everyone else. One condition that affects millions of Americans—including some very famous faces—is sleep apnea.
While it might not get as much attention as other health issues, sleep apnea can seriously impact a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, many celebrities have used their platforms to raise awareness and show that getting help for sleep apnea is nothing to be ashamed of.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes breathing interruptions during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much, temporarily blocking the airway. This can cause snoring, gasping for air, and frequent waking throughout the night—often without the person realizing it.
Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and even serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. The good news is that effective treatments—such as CPAP therapy or oral appliances—can help patients sleep better and feel more energized during the day.
Famous Faces Who’ve Dealt with Sleep Apnea
It might surprise you just how many well-known figures have publicly shared their experiences with sleep apnea. Here are a few who’ve brought the condition into the spotlight:
- President Joe Biden: In 2023, the White House confirmed that President Biden uses a CPAP machine to manage his sleep apnea. His openness helped normalize the use of sleep devices, showing that even the busiest people need restful sleep to perform their best.
- Shaquille O’Neal: The NBA legend was diagnosed with sleep apnea after undergoing a sleep study. Since then, he’s advocated for greater awareness of the condition, encouraging others to seek testing if they snore or experience daytime fatigue.
- Arianna Huffington: The founder of The Huffington Post has spoken about how her struggles with exhaustion and sleep deprivation led her to prioritize sleep health, inspiring others to do the same.
- William Shatner: The actor known for Star Trek fame has openly discussed using a CPAP machine to help him sleep more soundly, proving that prioritizing health is key to longevity.
Other celebrities, including Regis Philbin, Rosie O’Donnell, and Randy Jackson, have also dealt with sleep apnea and found relief through proper treatment. Their stories highlight that sleep disorders don’t discriminate—they affect people from all walks of life.
Why Awareness Matters
When public figures share their experiences with sleep apnea, it helps break down stigma and encourages others to get tested. Many people live for years with symptoms like loud snoring or fatigue, unaware that they may have an underlying sleep disorder.
Recognizing and treating sleep apnea not only improves sleep quality but can also significantly boost mood, energy, and long-term health. With modern treatment options available, there’s no reason to lose sleep over this common condition.
Even celebrities need a good night’s sleep—and so do you.
About the Practice
At SleepMed Solutions, our advanced team is dedicated to helping patients find lasting relief from sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. We offer personalized treatment plans, including oral appliance therapy, to help patients breathe easier and sleep more soundly. Every patient gets the red carpet treatment at our practice!
Call us at (336) 907-7773 or request an appointment online.