Celebrity Gogglebox star and Capital FM breakfast show DJ Roman Kemp has been inunadated with support after posting a candid picture of himself in his sleep apnea oxygen mask.
The 29-year-old, who is an advocate for men's mental health, was diagnosed with the sleep disorder earlier this year after visiting a doctor with suspected narcolepsy, which is a condition that causes someone to suddenly fall asleep. The NHS website says sleep apnea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep.
Speaking to the Daily Mail at the time, The One Show host Roman, whose famous parents are pop sensations Shirlie and Martin Kemp, said: "I recently got diagnosed with sleep apnoea, which has been rubbish. My tiredness levels were debilitating, and they said to me it was because of my job and I said: 'this is different'.
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"I was talking with people where I thought I was verging on narcolepsy because I was mid conversation and would be snoring and not realising, it was very strange. The doctors told me I must wear an oxygen mask.
"There is absolutely nothing sexy about going back to Roman Kemp's house. They are expecting candles and mood lighting but they're getting a Darth Vader impression into an oxygen tank. My love life will look like a niche Channel 5 documentary!'
Taking to Instagram, he posted a selfie in his Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine from his bed with his thumbs up with the caption: "The best thing is, it’s not that noticeable on your face…"
A CPAP mask "sends a steady flow of pressurised air into your nose and mouth as you sleep," says Healthline. "This keeps your airways open and helps you breathe normally."
Fans and friends rushed to his comments section to praise him for normalising and raising awareness of the condition.
Former Radio 1 DJ and fellow Goggleboxer Nick Grimshaw joked: "I can hardly see it". Roman replied in jest: "Too small if anything".
One fan applauded: "Good to see a young man normalising sleep apnea", while another said: "Raising awareness tho @romankemp sleep apnoea is a serious thing".
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