Biden Using CPAP Machine at Night to Help Ease Sleep Apnea

THURSDAY, June 29, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- President Joe Biden Has started using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night in recent weeks to help ease sleep apnea, the White House announced Wednesday.

As reported by the Associated Press, Biden first mentioned his history of sleep apnea in 2008, but the announcement came as indents were noted on his face when he departed the White House on Wednesday for a meeting in Chicago.

Sleep apnea is a very common condition in which nighttime breathing stops and starts throughout sleep. A CPAP machine involves the use of a mask worn during sleep; the CPAP machine pushes air through the mask into a person’s airway.

According to the AP, about 30 million Americans thought to suffer from sleep apnea, but only about 6 million have gotten a diagnosis, while about 5 million Americans have at least tried using a CPAP device.

Sleep apnea is more common in men than women and can lead to other health issues. While it wast mentioned in his latest medical exam in February, physicians have noted that Biden has an irregular heartbeat that may be linked to his sleep apnea, the AP said.

Because sleep apnea can prevent people from getting deep, restful sleep, many resort to CPAP machines to help them sleep properly and avoid daytime drowsiness.

More information:

Find out more about sleep apnea at the Cleveland Clinic.

SOURCE: Associated Press