Sleep Apnea Among the Stars: Celebrities with OSA
January 13, 2022Sometimes, celebrities seem too perfect to be human. With their designer clothes, luxury cars, and remarkable good looks, us common people might sometimes forget that famous individuals have many of the same struggles as we do. For example, sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can afflict anyone, even the rich and glamorous. In this article, we’ll talk a little about what sleep apnea is and who among the stars knows what it is like to fight against it.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
There are a few different types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In OSA, the soft tissues in the throat partially or fully block the airway at night, causing pauses in breathing (called apneas). Repeated apneas disrupt the sleep cycle and make it virtually impossible to get a good night’s rest. People with untreated OSA tend to suffer from loud snoring, daytime fatigue, mood disorders, and an increased risk of a number of serious health complications.
Athletes with OSA
If you suspect that you have OSA, you are far from alone! This condition affects millions of people, including a number of famous athletes. For example, Shaquille O’Neal is famous for his prowess on the basketball court. In fact, he is regarded as one of the best NBA players in history. He might seem like the very picture of athleticism and health, but he is among the many people who suffer from sleep apnea.
Reggie White, who was a prominent NFL player in his day, was another athlete with OSA. Sadly, he died of a heart attack that was compounded by complications from his sleep disorder. JaMarcus Russell, the number one NFL draft pick in 2007, is yet another NFL player with OSA. He once said that his condition was bad enough to cause him to fall asleep during team meetings.
Other Celebrities with OSA
What do Randy Jackson, Larry the Cable Guy, Roseanne Barr, and Amy Poehler all have in common? That’s right — they all have OSA. In fact, Amy Poehler once commented, “Throughout my life I have been told I snore so loudly that it sounds like I am dying or choking.” Former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was another OSA sufferer. His death may even have been linked to his condition.
Fighting OSA
We’ve discussed just a few celebrities with OSA. As you can see, this health condition can afflict people from all walks of life. Some of the above mentioned stars are managing their condition well, while others may have lost their lives to complications from OSA. If you have this problem, it is imperative that you seek treatment. Your prompt action could improve your quality of life and perhaps even safe your life!
Meet Dr. Mogell
Dr. Kenneth Mogell is an experienced dentist who has spent more than a decade mastering the intricacies of sleep medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. If you would like to learn more about how you can overcome OSA, he would be happy to speak with you. Contact any of our three locations or call us at 321-265-3462.