Sleep apnea is a disorder that can affect every aspect of your life. Characterized by loud snoring and numerous wake-ups through the night, sleep apnea robs us of one of the most vital abilities we have – the ability to sleep. Like all medical ailments, sleep apnea doesn’t discriminate based on income, fame, or celebrity status. Meet these five celebrities who went public with their sleep apnea.
Roseanne Barr
While many celebrities struggle with sleep apnea, not many receive their diagnosis on their own reality show. That was the case for Roseanne Barr, the controversial comedienne who had a hit show from 1988-1997. While filming another of her shows, Roseanne’s Nuts, Roseanne took a sleep test live on her show. It resulted in a diagnosis of sleep apnea, proving that money, fame, and success cannot ensure that you get a good night of sleep.
Shaquille O’Neal
In one of the biggest cases of sleep apnea of all time, the 7-foot tall, 325-pound basketball legend admitted he suffers from the disorder. The giant who ruled the basketball court with the Orlando Magic and then the LA Lakers made a video for Harvard Medical School. In this video, Shaq undergoes a sleep test, is diagnosed with sleep apnea, and gets fitted for a CPAP mask for treatment.
Larry the Cable Guy
Best known for being the craziest member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Larry the Cable Guy is a self-admitted sufferer of sleep apnea. He gave his thoughts on the condition in an interview with People Magazine:
“I can’t breathe when I’m heavy. That freaks me out. And everything else just takes a lot of effort. Just tying my shoes can make me winded.”
For Larry the Cable Guy and many other sufferers of sleep apnea, the condition serves as a wake-up call to change their unhealthy dietary habits.
Rosie O’Donnell
Rosie O’Donnell is a versatile comedienne who enjoyed massive success with her own show from 1996 to 2002. While on the hit morning show, The View in 2007, Rosie O’Donnell explained how she was diagnosed with sleep apnea via a sleep test. She continued by demonstrating how she uses her treatment for the disorder, a continuous airway pressure mask (CPAP). There’s no doubt that Rosie’s efforts have spread vital knowledge about sleep apnea.
William Shatner
A legendary actor whose career spans multiple decades, William Shatner also suffers from sleep apnea. Best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk on the original Star Trek, Shatner has appeared in everything from movies to commercials. Being male, a senior citizen, and overweight are all risk factors for sleep apnea, and William Shatner has all three.
Dr. Barney Can Restore Your Sleep in Tucson, AZ
A good night’s sleep is priceless. Whether you’ve attained legendary status selling out shows as a comedian or you’ve been a famous actor since the 1960’s, sleep apnea does not discriminate. Explore the treatments we use at Desert Sleep Solutions and see how we can improve your condition. Dr. Barney and his team want to help you regain the ability to sleep through the night. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a sleep test.