While Amy Poehler is a famous actress, comedian, director, and much more, however, her sleep apnea is no laughing matter. As a CPAP user and enthusiast, she’s here to remind both men and women about the dangers of sleep apnea to promote health and wellness. Yes, we said both men and women, because this condition is usually only thought of as a condition for old men, but that’s not the case. Sleep apnea can affect everyone.
Its true sleep apnea is more common in men, but it’s not much more common than previously thought. Previous studies suggested that men were 9 times more likely to have sleep apnea than women, but current estimates indicate that men may only be 2 to 3 times more likely. Then as women grow older and experience menopause the ratio becomes 1:1!
So why aren’t more women being diagnosed? Because sleep apnea symptoms look different in women, so the key signs found in men such as excessively loud snoring aren't there to tip doctors off about the condition.
Men display common sleep apnea symptoms such as:
Women may have these symptoms, but they might not. On this note, it’s important to mention that not everyone with sleep apnea snores and you don’t have to be overweight to have it. Sometimes your neck can be too narrow, your tongue can be too big, you might have a deviated septum and more.
Anyways, sleep apnea in women can look like:
Important: Pregnant women are at a higher risk for developing sleep apnea which can also increase the risk for high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
Also, menopause increases the risk for sleep apnea as women age because as estrogen begins to drop the way women breathe during their sleep may be negatively impacted. As a result, the risk for sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases.
Now as a man or a woman experiencing these symptoms it’s important to speak with your doctor immediately because if left untreated sleep apnea can contribute to the following serious health conditions:
If you test positive for sleep apnea via a home sleep study or a lab study, you’ll most likely need a CPAP as it’s the most effective mode of sleep apnea therapy. Sure, weight loss can help, or maybe you can have a surgery to reduce the size of your tongue, but until that happens a CPAP is probably your best bet.
CPAP machines, or continuous positive airway pressure devices deliver a constant stream of oxygen to your airways to keep them open as you sleep. This way your body doesn't have to recover when you stop breathing multiple times a night, and you get the rest you deserve.
Many people feel like their CPAP gives them their lives back. Suddenly they actually feel refreshed in the morning, can concentrate during the day, have the energy to work out, and more.
If you’ve seen either of these films then you laid eyes on Amy’s actual CPAP. It’s probably becoming a celebrity itself! You don’t have to suffer from fatigue every day and another cup of coffee isn’t the answer. Stop sleep apnea to get your life and health back.
Amy also shared,
And we’re honored to present her with our prestigious Great CPAP Women awards!
As seen on the big screen, Amy uses the DreamStation CPAP with humidifier, meaning she’s pretty experienced. Selecting an option with a humidifier is a great way to prevent waking with a dry mouth, break up congestion, and more.
Amy also uses the Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask that revolutionizes mask comfort with a soft yet secure seal. It’s actually an HME Best Design Award and Purple Pin winner for its innovative design and style.
The frame provides a clear line of sight allowing users to read or watch TV before bed and the Easy-Clip frame makes cleaning and assembly simple! Plus, this CPAP mask moves with you as the RollFit Seal minimizes pressure and the panels offer flexibility so you can move in your sleep without ever having to worry about leaks!
Amy Poehler Needs You To Use Your CPAP For Better Sleep
Its true sleep apnea is more common in men, but it’s not much more common than previously thought. Previous studies suggested that men were 9 times more likely to have sleep apnea than women, but current estimates indicate that men may only be 2 to 3 times more likely. Then as women grow older and experience menopause the ratio becomes 1:1!
So why aren’t more women being diagnosed? Because sleep apnea symptoms look different in women, so the key signs found in men such as excessively loud snoring aren't there to tip doctors off about the condition.
Men display common sleep apnea symptoms such as:
- Loud snoring
- Excessive fatigue
- Waking with a headache or dry mouth
- Waking due to coughing, choking, or gasping for air
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
Women may have these symptoms, but they might not. On this note, it’s important to mention that not everyone with sleep apnea snores and you don’t have to be overweight to have it. Sometimes your neck can be too narrow, your tongue can be too big, you might have a deviated septum and more.
Anyways, sleep apnea in women can look like:
- Insomnia
- Acid Reflux
- Forgetfulness
- Restless Legs Syndrom
- Mood swings
- Anxiety or depression
Important: Pregnant women are at a higher risk for developing sleep apnea which can also increase the risk for high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy complications.
Also, menopause increases the risk for sleep apnea as women age because as estrogen begins to drop the way women breathe during their sleep may be negatively impacted. As a result, the risk for sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases.
Now as a man or a woman experiencing these symptoms it’s important to speak with your doctor immediately because if left untreated sleep apnea can contribute to the following serious health conditions:
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Heart Disease
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Obesity
- Traffic Accidents
- Asthma
Why You Need A CPAP
If you test positive for sleep apnea via a home sleep study or a lab study, you’ll most likely need a CPAP as it’s the most effective mode of sleep apnea therapy. Sure, weight loss can help, or maybe you can have a surgery to reduce the size of your tongue, but until that happens a CPAP is probably your best bet.
CPAP machines, or continuous positive airway pressure devices deliver a constant stream of oxygen to your airways to keep them open as you sleep. This way your body doesn't have to recover when you stop breathing multiple times a night, and you get the rest you deserve.
Many people feel like their CPAP gives them their lives back. Suddenly they actually feel refreshed in the morning, can concentrate during the day, have the energy to work out, and more.
“Yeah, I don't know about your listeners, but anybody who's out there who has a snoring problem or sleep apnea, I'm telling you ... I would love to get you into a CPAP today, is what I'm trying to say. It has completely changed my life. Truly, I've always been a terrible sleeper. I performed most of my career incredibly sleep-deprived. And when I — really, it's the best thing I've ever done for my health. So yeah, much like my friend Bradley Cooper, who used his real dog in A Star Is Born, I used my real CPAP machine in this movie.”
If you’ve seen either of these films then you laid eyes on Amy’s actual CPAP. It’s probably becoming a celebrity itself! You don’t have to suffer from fatigue every day and another cup of coffee isn’t the answer. Stop sleep apnea to get your life and health back.
Amy also shared,
“I hope I win a CPAP award. If I don't, I will be so mad.”
And we’re honored to present her with our prestigious Great CPAP Women awards!
What CPAP Equipment Does Amy Poehler Use?
As seen on the big screen, Amy uses the DreamStation CPAP with humidifier, meaning she’s pretty experienced. Selecting an option with a humidifier is a great way to prevent waking with a dry mouth, break up congestion, and more.
Amy also uses the Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask that revolutionizes mask comfort with a soft yet secure seal. It’s actually an HME Best Design Award and Purple Pin winner for its innovative design and style.
The frame provides a clear line of sight allowing users to read or watch TV before bed and the Easy-Clip frame makes cleaning and assembly simple! Plus, this CPAP mask moves with you as the RollFit Seal minimizes pressure and the panels offer flexibility so you can move in your sleep without ever having to worry about leaks!
