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Capital DJ Roman Kemp Reveals he has Sleep Apnoea

Stressed man in bed | SleepTest.co.uk
Danielle Mahri Staff Writer | SleepTest.co.uk

Written by
Danielle Mahri, Staff Writer

Jay Gadher - Clinical Services Manager

Expert review by
Jay Gadher, Clinical Services Manager

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Intus Healthcare’s writers, customer service team, and sleep experts review and ensure this information is accurate.

Last updated on October 11th, 2024 at 11:16 am

Sleep Apnoea is more common than people think, affecting many celebrities and TV personalities. Some celebs include DJ Roman Kemp,  Shaquille O’Neal, Quincy Jones and more.

This article will explain Roman Kemps’ experience, symptoms and treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Table of Contents

Roman Kemp Sleep Apnoea

Capital FM Breakfast host Roman Kemp disclosed he has been diagnosed with a sleep disorder. 

The Capital Breakfast host experienced numerous symptoms of Sleep Apnoea and expressed, “My tiredness levels were debilitating. I was mid-conversation and would be snoring and not realising; it was very strange.” (1)

What is Sleep Apnoea? 

Sleep Apnoea, also known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder.

OSA is when the upper airways narrow or close during sleep, and the throat muscles relax too much. This prevents enough air from getting to the lungs, causing Hypopneas. Or it closes completely, stopping any air from getting to the lungs, causing an Apnoea event (breathing pauses). During these breathing pauses, your diaphragm and chest muscles work harder than normal to open your airways. Causing you to wake up choking or gasping. 

According to the British Lung Foundation, it is estimated that 1.5 million adults in the UK are affected by Sleep Apnoea. Sleep Apnoea is typically related to age; 15 to 20% of those aged 70 and over are estimated to have OSA (1).

However, it can also affect those who are younger. The Capital FM Radio DJ, Roman Kemp, 29, has revealed he suffers from Sleep Apnoea. He told the Daily Mail, “I recently got diagnosed with Sleep Apnoea, which has been rubbish” – his intense schedule led him to initially believe he was suffering from narcolepsy (a condition causing a person to fall asleep) (2). 

What are the symptoms of Sleep Apnoea? 

Here are some common symptoms of Sleep Apnoea:

If you have any of these symptoms, you might have Sleep Apnoea.

According to the British Lung Foundation, 85% of people with OSA in the UK are undiagnosed and untreated (1).

You can take a sleep study with the NHS to diagnose you with Sleep Apnoea, however waiting lists can be up to two years.

An alternative to an NHS study is taking the In-Home Sleep Test.  Taking a Sleep test with us is the first step to a better night’s sleep, no matter how old you are. 

Home Sleep Test

If you suspect that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, then our in-home WatchPat Sleep Test is a quick, convenient and affordable way to have Sleep Apnoea confirmed. 

WatchPatin home sleep test on bedside table | Sleeptest.co.uk

Home Sleep Apnoea Test

The test monitors your heart rate, snoring intensity, blood oxygen levels, body positioning, and more, providing accuracy comparable to testing used in sleep clinics for in-depth sleep analysis.

The simple-to-use test takes just one night to complete, and results are returned within two working days after completion.

Our experienced NHS-qualified sleep professionals independently analyse all studies, providing follow-up advice and support.

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How to treat Sleep Apnoea

The most common and recommended way to treat OSA is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

A CPAP machine gently pumps air into a CPAP mask worn on your mouth, nose or both during sleep. The mild airway pressure keeps your airways open to prevent Apnoeas and Hypopneas from occurring. 

CPAP therapy helps to:

  • Reduce or eliminate snoring
  • It keeps your airways open to breathe comfortably
  • Improves quality of sleep
  • Can significantly reduce blood pressure
  • Eliminate daytime sleepiness and unproductivity
  • Positively impact your mood

Kemp found the humour in his CPAP therapy, telling the Mail Online, “The doctors told me I must wear an oxygen mask. There is absolutely nothing sexy about going back to Roman Kemp’s house. They expect candles and mood lighting, but they get a Darth Vader impression in an oxygen tank. My love life will look like a niche Channel 5 documentary!” (2).

When it comes to CPAP therapy, the good outweighs the bad. 

What happens if Sleep Apnoea is not treated? 

Sleep Apnoea can worsen and cause several health conditions if left without treatment. 

Untreated Sleep Apnoea can result in the following:

Living with Sleep Apnoea can negatively affect your relationships, work and overall enjoyment of life. 

If you need help or advice regarding Sleep Apnoea treatment, please get in touch with us.

References

  1. British Lung Foundation, (2015). Toolkit for commissioning and planning local NHS services in the UK. Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/sites/default/files/OSA_Toolkit_2015_BLF_0.pdf. Accessed: 11.10.2024.
  2. Daily Mail, Packer, S. (2022). EXCLUSIVE ‘My life isn’t healthy’: Roman Kemp wants to quit showbiz in five years and ‘retire young’, revealing he hates fame and dreams of opening a dog sanctuary. Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10849843/Roman-Kemp-wants-quit-showbiz-five-years-retire-young-revealing-hates-fame.html. Accessed: 11.10.2024.