What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes the amount of oxygen coming into the body to be inhibited. When your body senses that you are not taking in oxygen, it stirs you out of deep sleep so you can breathe. These cessations of breath can last for a minute or longer. This causes a lack of the deep REM sleep that our mind needs to recuperate from the day. Those who suffer from the condition stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. This can lead to life-threatening health conditions including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and more.
Celebrities with sleep apnea:
- Shaquille O’Neal: A former professional basketball player, Shaquille O’Neal stands at an impressive seven feet and one inch tall, weighing approximately 325 pounds. He is currently a sports analyst for the TV program Inside the NBA. He is also a prolific businessman, owning hundreds of franchises in different industries.
- Amy Poehler: An comedic actress, writer, director and producer, Amy Poehler has had a long career in improv and comedy theatre. You may know her from Saturday Night Live and as Leslie Knope from the sitcom Parks and Recreation. You may also recognize her voice from the 2015 animated film Inside Out.
- William Shatner: Most famous for his starring role as Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek is William Shatner. He’s a Canadian actor, author, screenwriter, singer, producer and director. His authorship includes science fiction novels and television shows developed around the Star Trek universe.
- Rosie O’Donnell: An actress, television personality, comedian, producer, and author, Rosie O’Donnell got her career started with the TV show Star Search in 1984. She is also known for her talk show, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and for her presence on the daytime talk show The View. While on The View, O’Donnell and Donald Trump began their infamous feud on-air.
Sleep apnea can negatively affect you too
Sleep apnea is more than just snoring. Aside from the serious other health threats it poses, sleep apnea can harm you while awake too. The following side effects of sleep apnea have a strong influence over your daily life:
- Waking up with a headache
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Irritability, moodiness or depression
- Excessive fatigue throughout the day (dangerous when driving)
- Difficulty concentrating throughout the day
Want to learn more about sleep apnea?
For more information on Dr. Buck’s practice and the treatment options he provides, schedule an appointment, call us today at 425-361-7499.