What is a Sleep Study? A Study that Saved Shaq’s Life

Gold Medal Olympiast and a Snorer

Shaquille O’ Neal single handedly defeated many opponents during his NBA and Olympic career, but it wasn’t until his sleep study results recommended a CPAP that he defeated snoring. Until Shaq’s girlfriend Nikki “Hoopz” Alexander asked ”What is a sleep study?”, Shaq had never taken action to stop his snoring problem.

Do You Need a Sleep Study?

Although the thought of Shaq snoring seems funny at first, it’s a serious problem for many individuals. It doesn’t take a Harvard issued sleep study to identify snoring; many individuals are aware or have been told by others of their situation. The problem is that many people, like Shaq was, are hesitant or don’t take action.

Snoring can be a serious indication of other health-related issues, including obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing literally halts time after time while you’re sleeping. One person who couldn’t ignore Shaq’s snoring was his girlfriend, reality star, Nikki “Hoopz” Alexander. What is a sleep study was the first question Shaq and his girlfriend tried to figure out. They found answers to this question from various online snoring resources and decided that a sleep study would best suit Shaq.

Sleep Study Results in CPAP Recommendation

Shaq participated in a sleep study sponsored by Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine.  He was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea.  CPAP was recommended after the doctors reviewed treatment options with Shaq.  What is a sleep study you may be wondering? Watch the below video clip of Shaq’s experience:

CPAP Treatment for Shaq

After getting his sleep study results back, Shaq was fitted with a CPAP and now reports he’s never felt better. CPAP is a treatment where a small mask or nose tubes are placed over the nose, or nose and mouth and then compressed air is blown through the air passageway and into the lungs.  The continuous air pressure keeps the passageway from collapsing which could result in a potential obstruction and potential snoring.

While CPAP is often considered the most effective way to treat certain forms of sleep apnea, the mask must be worn while sleeping.

Many people find it uncomfortable or difficult to tolerate so compliance is often a huge issue. Shaq was fortunate to find a solution for his sleep apnea; you too can fix your snoring problems by going in for a sleep study. If the idea of doing an overnight sleep study scares you, check out these at home sleep remedies to help solve your snoring problem.