Celebrities might seem larger than life, but beneath the glam, they’re just like everyone else. They deal with the same health challenges, including one that affects millions of Americans: sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. This happens when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can cause loud snoring, gasping for air, chronic fatigue, morning headaches, and more. Left untreated, it’s linked to serious health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
While the condition is widespread, it’s often overlooked or undiagnosed. That’s why it’s so eye-opening to learn that even celebrities—people with access to the best healthcare in the world—are affected.
Celebrities Who Have Sleep Apnea
Here are a few famous names who have publicly battled sleep apnea:
- President Joe Biden: In 2023, the White House confirmed that former President Biden uses a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine at night to manage his sleep apnea. It’s a clear reminder that this condition doesn’t discriminate by age or status.
- Shaquille O’Neal: The NBA legend has openly shared his struggles with sleep apnea and even participated in a Harvard sleep study to raise awareness. His diagnosis inspired many fans to take their own sleep health seriously.
- Rosie O’Donnell: Comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell was diagnosed with sleep apnea after experiencing extreme fatigue. She’s since used her platform to encourage others to get tested.
- William Shatner: The iconic Star Trek actor has spoken publicly about his use of a CPAP machine and how it improved his sleep and energy levels.
- Regis Philbin: The beloved TV host revealed he had sleep apnea later in life, and it played a role in his overall health concerns.
These public figures prove that sleep apnea doesn’t care who you are—it can affect anyone. And their openness helps reduce the stigma and encourages early diagnosis and treatment.
Why Awareness Matters
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because symptoms like snoring or tiredness are brushed off as normal. But the risks of untreated sleep apnea are serious. If you or someone you love snores loudly, wakes up gasping, or feels tired even after a full night’s rest, it may be time to talk to a sleep specialist.
About the Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness in Denton, TX, our patients receive compassionate, expert care for sleep apnea and related sleep disorders. Our team is comprised of board-certified sleep medicine experts with specialized training to support total body wellness. We offer customized, non-invasive solutions—like oral appliance therapy—that help patients breathe easier and sleep better.
Give us a call at (469) 772-6721 or request a sleep consultation online.