Regis Philbin’s Sleep Study Results: It’s Sleep Apnea

Who wants to feel like a millionaire? Talk show and game show host Regis Philbin says that he does.

The Emmy Award-winning TV personality can’t get a good night’s sleep. Regis said that he wakes up multiple times during the night.

And after waking up it can be a struggle to get back to sleep. As a result he rarely feels his best during the day.

For years he’s been complaining about his sleep problems on “Live with Regis and Kelly.” And his wife Joy has her own sleep problem: His snoring keeps her awake at night.

But now Regis knows what’s causing his disturbed sleep. He spent the night at a sleep disorders center in New York. His experience was documented on Thursday’s show.



Results of his overnight sleep study show that he has obstructive sleep apnea. This common sleep disorder occurs when the muscles relax during sleep. As a result soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the upper airway.

Breathing pauses can last from 10 seconds to a minute or longer. A person with severe sleep apnea may have hundreds of breathing pauses per night.

So what is going to help Regis sleep better? On the show he took a look at a CPAP unit and mask. CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for OSA.

The small unit plugs into the wall and sends air through a long, flexible tube. The tube connects to a mask that you wear during sleep. The stream of air keeps the airway open, preventing breathing pauses.

On SleepEducation.com you can learn more about how a sleep study may be your best investment for long-term health. You also can answer these questions to learn more about your risk for sleep apnea.

Get help for sleep apnea at an AASM-accredited sleep center near you.