Have you ever thought that some celebrities seem too perfect to be human? Between their designer clothes, luxury automobiles, and stunning good looks, many regular people might forget that famous folks have many of the same struggles that are common to all humankind. For example, a significant number of celebrities struggle with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). What exactly is OSA, and who are some stars that have been diagnosed with it? This blog post explains.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
There are different types of sleep apnea, but obstructive sleep apnea is by far the most common. It occurs when tissues in the upper airway, such as the palate or tongue, block the free flow of air. As a result, a person suffers from repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. These episodes, known as apneas, seriously disrupt the sleep cycle and cause exhaustion and many other symptoms. People with OSA are at a heightened risk of numerous health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, mood disorders, and more.
Athletes with OSA
Many athletes seem like the epitome of health, but in reality, some of them are victims of OSA! For example, Shaquille O’Neal, who is often regarded as one of the best basketball players in history, has been diagnosed with this condition.
Reggie White, a prominent NFL player in the 1980s and 1990s, also had OSA. Sadly, he passed away after suffering a heart attack that was worsened by complications from his sleep disorder. JaMarcus Russell, another famous football player, is yet another athlete who has been diagnosed with OSA. He once stated that his condition made him so exhausted that it caused him to drift off to sleep during team meetings.
Other Celebrities with OSA
Athletes are not the only celebrities who struggle with sleep apnea. In fact, Larry the Cable Guy, Roseanne Barr, Randy Jackson, and Amy Poehler all have OSA. In fact, Amy Poehler once said about her condition, “Throughout my life I have been told I snore so loudly that it sounds like I am dying or choking.”
Fighting OSA
This blog post has named just a few celebrities with OSA. Obviously, no one is completely invulnerable to this disorder! Some of the abovementioned stars are doing their best to manage their condition, while others may have lost their lives due to OSA complications.
If you have OSA, it is vital that you seek appropriate treatment. Modern medicine offers a number of ways to address this condition, including custom oral appliances from a dentist, certain lifestyle changes, and more. Taking prompt action to protect your sleep could improve your current quality of life and perhaps even extend your life.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Joyce and John Warwick have more than 60 years of combined experience in dentistry. Along with our talented support staff, they are proud to offer custom oral appliance therapy for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. If you believe you have this condition, our team is ready to serve you. Contact our Pittsburgh office at 412-391-1130.