President Joe Biden has begun using a common medical device used to treat sleep apnea in order to enhance his sleep.
President Biden is utilizing a continuous positive airway pressure machine, commonly referred to as a CPAP machine, which assists in maintaining open airways during sleep to ensure adequate oxygen intake for optimal functioning.
President Biden’s Sleep Apnea
According to White House spokesman Andrew Bates, the president’s sleep apnea history has been disclosed in comprehensive medical reports since 2008. Bates further explained that the use of a CPAP machine is a common practice for individuals with such a medical background.
The CPAP device consists of a mask securely fastened to the individual’s face during sleep. Notably, observers noticed indentation marks on President Biden’s face as he left the White House for Illinois on Wednesday.
Due to his age of 80, President Biden has a longstanding history of sleep apnea, a prevalent condition characterized by recurrent interruptions in breathing during sleep. The American Medical Association estimates that approximately 30 million Americans experience sleep apnea, with only 6 million formally diagnosed.
Read more: Sicker Americans Opting For Medicare Managed Care
Effective Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Typical symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, instances of breathing cessation during sleep, gasping for air during sleep, and persistent fatigue despite obtaining sufficient rest.
A widely utilized and effective treatment for sleep apnea is the employment of a CPAP machine, which delivers airflow through a face mask or nasal cushion, thereby keeping the upper airway passages unobstructed. This prevents the need for the brain to intermittently awaken the body during sleep.
The news that President Biden, who is presently serving as the nation’s longest-serving president, has begun using a CPAP machine comes at a time when public concern about his advanced age is growing.
President Biden underwent a physical examination in February, and his physician, Kevin O’Connor, stated in a subsequently released letter that he remains a healthy and vigorous 80-year-old male, fully capable of fulfilling the duties of the presidency.
Read more: Risks Of Wearing Expired Contact Lenses: More Serious Than You Think