12 Famous Celebrities with Sleep Apnea

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our health, yet millions of people around the world are not getting the quality rest they need due to undiagnosed sleep apnea.

It’s estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with a staggering 80% of moderate to severe cases going undiagnosed. This means millions of people are living with a condition that not only affects their quality of life but can also lead to severe health consequences if left untreated.

Sleep apnea is more than just a minor inconvenience; it’s a serious health condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to fragmented sleep and lower oxygen levels in the body, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues. The condition can also contribute to daytime fatigue, impairing your ability to function during the day and increasing the risk of accidents.

Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for sleep apnea, with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy being the most common.

CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over your nose and/or mouth while you sleep, which provides a continuous flow of air to keep your airways open. This simple yet effective treatment can dramatically improve sleep quality and reduce the health risks associated with sleep apnea.

There’s a list of famous celebrities living with sleep apnea who have shared their stories, from sleep struggles to complete life transformations thanks to a sleep apnea diagnosis and proper treatment, helping shed light on this often-overlooked condition.

1. Ryan Jensen (NFL Former Player)  

Ryan Jensen, a former NFL player, is among the many athletes who have dealt with sleep apnea. As a high-performance athlete, maintaining optimal health is crucial, yet sleep apnea can seriously undermine physical and mental well-being.  “It really has saved my life and it really did save my career,” he said of getting diagnosed. Jensen’s openness about his condition has helped to raise awareness in the sports community, where sleep disorders often go unrecognized.

2. Shaquille O'Neal  

Shaquille O'Neal, the basketball legend known for his towering presence on the court, has also faced challenges off the court due to sleep apnea. O'Neal has used his platform to speak out about the importance of getting tested for sleep apnea , particularly for individuals who experience symptoms like loud snoring and daytime fatigue. His advocacy has helped many people recognize the signs of sleep apnea and seek treatment.

3.  Rosie O'Donnell  

Comedian and television personality Rosie O'Donnell has been candid about her struggles with sleep apnea. O'Donnell’s diagnosis came after years of experiencing severe fatigue and sleep disturbances, which she initially dismissed as part of her busy lifestyle. Her experience underscores the importance of not ignoring the symptoms of sleep apnea and the difference proper treatment can make.

4.  Quincy Jones  

Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer, has had a long and illustrious career, but like many others, he has had to manage sleep apnea. Jones has highlighted how the condition has impacted his life, particularly his energy levels and focus. His story is a reminder that sleep apnea can affect anyone, regardless of their success or lifestyle.

5.  Brett Favre  

Brett Favre, the Hall of Fame NFL quarterback, is another sports figure who has faced the challenges of sleep apnea. Favre’s experience with the condition has been a wake-up call for many, particularly in the athletic community, where sleep is often overlooked as a critical component of health and performance.

6.  Randy Jackson  

Randy Jackson, the music producer and former judge on "American Idol," has been vocal about his struggles with sleep apnea. Jackson, who has also dealt with weight-related health issues, has emphasized the importance of managing sleep apnea to improve overall health and well-being. His story resonates with many who are dealing with multiple health challenges simultaneously.

7.  William Shatner  

William Shatner, the iconic actor best known for his role as Captain Kirk in "Star Trek," has also been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Shatner’s openness about his condition has brought attention to sleep apnea among older adults, a group that is often at higher risk but less likely to be diagnosed.

8.  Amy Poehler  

Comedian and actress Amy Poehler has shared her experiences with sleep apnea, highlighting how the condition can affect even those with seemingly boundless energy. Poehler’s story is a reminder that sleep apnea can impact anyone, regardless of their age or lifestyle, and that seeking treatment is crucial for maintaining health and vitality.

9.  Reggie White  

Reggie White, the late NFL star and Hall of Famer, tragically passed away due to complications related to sleep apnea. White’s untimely death at the age of 43 brought widespread attention to the potentially deadly consequences of untreated sleep apnea. His legacy continues to raise awareness about the importance of diagnosis and treatment.

10.  Tony Robbins  

Tony Robbins, the renowned motivational speaker and author, has also dealt with sleep apnea. Robbins has spoken about how the condition affected his energy and performance, emphasizing the need for proper diagnosis and treatment to maintain peak physical and mental health.

11.  Barbara Corcoran  

Barbara Corcoran, a successful entrepreneur and star of "Shark Tank," has openly discussed her struggles with sleep apnea. Corcoran’s experience highlights how sleep apnea can affect even the most successful and driven individuals, impacting their daily lives and business performance.

12.  Joe Biden  

Joe Biden, the President of the United States, has been reported to use a CPAP machine to manage his sleep apnea. As one of the most prominent figures in the world, Biden’s use of CPAP therapy underscores the importance of addressing sleep apnea, particularly for those in high-stress, demanding roles.

While these celebrities have shared their stories and sought treatment, millions of others are living with untreated sleep apnea, unaware of the risks they face. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a host of serious health problems, including:

• Cardiovascular Disease: Sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels strain the cardiovascular system, making it more vulnerable to damage.

• Diabetes: There is a strong link between sleep apnea and insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Poor sleep quality also affects glucose metabolism, further increasing the risk.

• Weight Gain: Sleep apnea is often associated with obesity, but it also contributes to weight gain. The condition disrupts the balance of hormones that regulate appetite, leading to increased hunger and cravings.

• Mental Health Issues: Chronic sleep deprivation from sleep apnea can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. The lack of restorative sleep affects mood and cognitive function, making it difficult to cope with daily challenges.

• Daytime Fatigue and Accidents: One of the most immediate and noticeable effects of sleep apnea is daytime fatigue. This can impair concentration, memory, and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents at work, on the road, and in daily life.

For those diagnosed with sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is often the first line of treatment. CPAP machines deliver a steady stream of air through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep. This prevents the pauses in breathing that characterize sleep apnea, allowing for uninterrupted, restorative sleep.

The benefits of CPAP therapy are numerous:

• Improved Sleep Quality

• Reduced Health Risks

• Increased Energy and Focus

• Better Mood and Mental Health

• Enhanced Quality of Life 

The stories of celebrities like Ryan Jensen, Shaquille O'Neal, and Joe Biden illustrate that sleep apnea can affect anyone, regardless of their background, lifestyle, or success. These individuals have shown that with proper diagnosis and treatment, it’s possible to manage the condition and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

However, the first step in managing sleep apnea is getting a diagnosis. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, or frequent awakenings during the night, a convenient home sleep study can determine whether sleep apnea is present and help guide the best course of treatment.

A sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment can protect your health, improve your quality of life, and avoid the potentially life-threatening consequences of this condition. Just like the celebrities who have come forward with their stories, taking action against sleep apnea can be life-changing. Don’t wait—take the first step towards better sleep and better health today. Take a home sleep test today.