Sleeping disorders do not discriminate between the rich and famous and us normal-tons. In the glamourous world of Hollywood, it appears as though celebrities are living perfect lives, immune to sickness and disease. However, life in the spotlight can be hard, with gruelling work schedules and constantly having to be on your A-game. This high pressured lifestyle can cause stress, leading to sleeping disorders. Here is a list of 5 celebrities who suffer when it comes to sleep, proving they are still human…
Jennifer Aniston
Sleep walking, also known as somnambulism.
Due to the stress of her TV and film work schedules, along with her very public breakup with Brad Pitt, Jen has admitted to sleep walking. She once said: ‘I sleepwalk. I set off our alarm once. I was outside. The alarm scared the **** out of me and I woke up, and I was out by the pool equipment in the back. I don’t know what I was doing. I heard this yelling because he’s terrified, he hears the alarm and I’m not there!”.
Shaquille O’Neal
Sleep Apnea
Shaq’s wife noticed that he was snoring very loudly and would stop breathing in his sleep. She alerted him to his issue, which is when he decided to see a sleep specialist and was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea.
He documented his experience with Harvard Medical School to increase the awareness of sleep apnea:
Jimmy Kimmel
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleeping disorder that is commonly characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the day.
In an interview with Esquire Magazine, Jimmy spoke about his condition saying he has fallen asleep in meetings, watching television, driving and evening hosting! Being a comedian, he jokes about his condition and admits it is mild compared to what other sufferers endure.
Keith Olbermann
Restless Legs Syndrome
As the name suggests, this sleeping disorder causes unpleasant sensations in the legs, which creates the urge to move constantly them. These episodes commonly happen when going to sleep.
Keith told The New Yorker that this syndrome keeps him from sleeping at night because of an intense urge to get out of bed and move around. He takes medication that helps him get some shut-eye. On at least one occasion, he’s even taken to answering emails on his BlackBerry while waiting for the meds to kick in.
Lady Gaga
Insomnia
Being a celebrity who makes their own music can be obsessive. Lady Gaga revealed that a year after she became famous, insomnia kicked in. She told OK! Magazine: “My passion is so strong I can’t sleep – I haven’t slept for three days,”
“I lie in bed and try to pray and breathe. I have a very overactive mind. I’m the sort of person who’d never take medication to calm myself. It’s maddening. But I love what comes out.”
Insomnia is a severe condition that can be fatal. Michael Jackson, Anna Nicole Smith, and Heath Ledger all suffered from insomnia and died from an overdose of sleeping pills.
If you suffer from insomnia or any other sleeping disorder for that matter, please speak to your doctor or see a sleep specialist.
