Why Are Celebrities Talking About Sleep Apnea?

You’ve probably seen many of your favorite celebrities talking about their struggles with sleep apnea, like Rosie O’Donnell, William Shatner, and Reggie White. While it might seem like cases of sleep apnea are on the rise, the growing number of diagnoses is attributed to better public awareness. Celebrities are sharing their stories to encourage people with symptoms of sleep apnea to seek help from a medical professional because 80% of cases aren’t diagnosed. A bad night’s rest isn’t the only complication of sleep apnea. You could face potentially life-threatening health risks. Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of untreated sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

There are 3 types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It occurs when the tongue or soft tissues in the back of the mouth collapse to block the airway. This causes frequent breathing disturbances while sleeping. Every time you stop breathing, your brain jolts you awake, which interrupts your sleep cycle. As a result, fatigue and sleep deprivation are common complications of sleep apnea, but those aren’t the only concerns. Regular depletion of oxygen will strain every system in your body, which can lead to various health concerns, like heart disease, memory loss, depression, and diabetic complications. 

Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware they experience pauses in breathing because they are asleep when they occur; however, signs of the disorder can appear in several ways, including:

• Daytime fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Loud, chronic snoring
• Waking up choking or gasping for air
• Waking up with a sore or dry throat
• Depression, anxiety, or mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss
• Decreased cognitive abilities
• Sleep deprivation

Your physician can conduct a sleep study to determine if sleep apnea is the culprit. Based on the results, they may recommend sleep apnea therapy.

Options for Sleep Apnea Therapy

You have multiple options to treat sleep apnea, which can include:

• CPAP: A CPAP machine is the most traditional treatment for sleep apnea. A steady stream of air is delivered through a mask worn over your mouth or nose while sleeping. This prevents pauses in breathing to maintain proper oxygen levels to improve your sleep quality and health.
• Oral Appliance: An oral appliance can be used alone or along with a CPAP. The custom-fit device holds your tongue or jaw in a more comfortable position to prevent your soft tissues from blocking your airway. It’s a comfortable, effective option to treat mild-to-moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea.

A good night’s sleep is possible. Don’t spend another night worrying about your health. You can breathe better and sleep peacefully with the right treatment. 

About Dr. Bernard L. Greenbaum

Dr. Greenbaum achieved his dental degree from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has regularly continued his education in advanced services, like sleep apnea and snoring treatment. He is a member of various professional organizations, including the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Contact our office today to request a consultation for sleep apnea therapy.