Historical Figures Who Had Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders are more common than you may think. Fortunately these days, a polysomnography (sleep study), in existence for approximately 30 years now, can diagnose sleep disorders so they can be treated. It seems that some famous people from the past who had sleep apnea and similar sleep disorders could really have benefitted from such a test.
Not only did several of America’s great presidents, Grover Cleveland and Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, suffer from sleep apnea, but some other major historical figures have also suffered from this sleeping disorder.
Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor of France from 1804-1814, most likely suffered from sleep apnea. While there is no historical record of his snoring, he did have a predisposition to the disorder because of his obesity, nasal obstruction and sleeping habits.
Winston Churchill, Great Britain’s Prime Minister, also suffered from the difficult sleeping disorder. Churchill was famous for his afternoon naps and noteworthy snoring. He also enjoyed alcohol and cigarettes, which may have contributed to his development of sleep apnea.
Who are some other favorite historical figures that suffered from sleep disorders?
James Brahms – The famous composer suffered from obstructive sleep apnea.
Henry VIII – King Henry suffered during the final years of his life due to a massive amount of weight gain.
Queen Victoria – The Queen of England suffered from obesity later in life that led to bouts of insomnia. She suffered from a circadian rhythm disorder that was quite severe.
These historical figures aren’t the only ones who suffered from sleep disorders. There are probably many other figures in history who also suffered without notice from those around them.
Again, these days a polysomnography can help diagnose and treat sleep disorder like sleep apnea, which, with the obesity epidemic, is even more common today than it was when these famous historical figures were alive.
Think you may want to take polysomnography training so you can help doctors diagnose and treat sleep apnea and other sleep disorders? Find a polysomnography school near you today at HealthCareers.net.
