Five Female Celebrities Living with Sleep Apnea
Research has shown that over 90% of women with sleep apnea are still undiagnosed, a staggering statistic that reflects how often women’s symptoms are overlooked or misattributed. Because sleep apnea is still widely viewed as a “man’s condition,” many women do not realize that waking up unrefreshed after a full night’s sleep, gasping themselves awake, morning headaches, mood changes, or persistent fatigue can all be signs of sleep apnea.
Media representation can help change the major lack of awareness of sleep apnea in women. When celebrities and well-known women speak openly about their own experiences with sleep apnea, they help to break down stigma, spark recognition, and encourage others to seek testing and care. Read on to see which five female celebrities are using their platforms to raise awareness and break down shame and stigma surrounding this common but often misunderstood sleep disorder.
Amy Poehler: Bringing CPAP Into the Spotlight
Amy Poehler has spoken openly about her sleep apnea and CPAP use in both her creative work and public conversations. On an episode of her podcast, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, she brought on fellow comedian Jack Black. It was no surprise that the episode was full of laughs. What was unexpected was hearing the two comedians bond over the use of CPAP machines to treat their sleep apnea. Black described his CPAP as a “game changer,” and Poehler agreed, saying it “changed my life.” Both shared that they cannot imagine sleeping without their CPAP machines.
Poehler also brought CPAP representation to the screen. In the 2019 Netflix film, Wine Country, which Poehler directs and stars in, her character uses a CPAP machine. During the film’s press tour, Poehler joked about using her real CPAP on set, comparing it to actors who bring their pets to work.
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.”
– Amy Poehler, NPR
Realistic portrayals like this help reduce stigma and encourage women to seek testing, diagnosis, and treatment for sleep apnea.
Alicia McCarvell: Encouraging Women to Seek Answers
Another woman helping to normalize CPAP use is Alicia McCarvell, who shares her real-life experience of using a CPAP with her 1.5 million Instagram followers. Alicia posts about self-acceptance, especially for women with bigger bodies, and openly discusses using a CPAP to treat her obstructive sleep apnea. Her honest and relatable content has cultivated a dedicated online community. Every time Alicia posts about her CPAP use, followers comment that they are encouraged to pursue testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
Tig Notaro: Using Humor and Honesty
Comedian and actress Tig Notaro, known for her stand‑up specials and roles in The Morning Show and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, has also shared her CPAP journey on social media. Her straightforward, humorous approach helps demystify CPAP therapy and reminds women that sleep apnea can affect anyone, including those who appear energetic and high‑functioning on the outside.
Gina Yashere: Bringing CPAP Into Everyday Life
Similarly, Gina Yashere, who plays Commander Lura Thok on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy and co‑created the CBS sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, has also been open about her sleep apnea journey and CPAP use, featuring it in her hilarious “Choons on Tuesdays” Instagram series and in her live comedy skits. Gina’s willingness to incorporate CPAP into her comedy and daily life helps normalize treatment and encourages women to take their symptoms seriously.
Rosie O’Donnell: Highlighting CPAP’s Immediate Impact
Rosie O’Donnell used her platform on The View in 2007 to highlight sleep apnea. She interviewed sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus and shared her own experience with the condition. Rosie described feeling a difference after just one night of treatment, a powerful reminder of how quickly CPAP can improve symptoms for many people.
“I felt a difference, honestly, in one night,” O’Donnell said about her first night using a CPAP to treat her obstructive sleep apnea.
Why Celebrity Stories Matter for Women
Sleep apnea often presents differently in women. Instead of loud snoring, women may experience insomnia, fatigue, brain fog, or mood changes. The lack of awareness of the differences between sleep apnea in men and women directly contributes to missed diagnoses. When public figures share their stories, they help increase awareness of sleep apnea in women and encourage others to seek answers and get the treatment they need.
Celebrities have so much power to change women’s perceptions of sleep apnea. It’s so encouraging to see women inspired to get the testing and treatment they need because a famous woman spoke about her own journey with sleep apnea.”
– Emma Cooksey, Sleep Apnea Program Manager, Project Sleep
Women and Sleep Apnea
Project Sleep offers resources to support those navigating sleep apnea through its Sleep Apnea Squad series. Learn more about how sleep apnea presents differently in women and what they need to do to get help in the “Women and Sleep Apnea” broadcast.
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms, know that treatment can be life changing. Join Project Sleep’s Sleep Apnea Squad to learn more, connect with others, and take the first step toward better sleep and better health.
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Sleep Apnea Squad: Women and Sleep Apnea
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