Veteran actor Chen Tianwen, aged 63, has revealed his battle with sleep apnoea, a condition that causes intermittent pauses in breathing during sleep. This revelation came to light after his wife raised concerns about his excessive snoring following their marriage. Despite the seriousness of sleep apnoea, Chen's case is considered not severe. He was diagnosed after medical evaluations showed he stopped breathing 59 times in an hour.
Sleep apnoea is a condition that affects many, with some patients experiencing up to 80 breathing interruptions per hour. Chen Tianwen decided to undergo surgery to address the issue. The surgery involved removing a part of his body that is expected to regenerate within a few years. This regenerative aspect influenced his decision to opt for surgical intervention.
Chen shared his journey with sleep apnoea during a recent radio interview, highlighting the challenges and choices he faced. He mentioned that doctors presented him with two options: surgery or using a respirator mask while sleeping. He ultimately chose surgery due to its temporary nature and the chance for the removed tissue to regrow.
"The doctors told me I stopped breathing 59 times in an hour… They gave me two choices, to go for surgery or wear a respirator to sleep," – Chen Tianwen
Despite the surgery, Chen continues to use a mask at night to manage his condition. This mask, though effective, leaves marks on his face each morning, a minor inconvenience he accepts as part of his treatment routine.
"The only negative thing is that there will be marks [from the straps on the mask] on my face every morning when I wake up." – Chen Tianwen
Sleep apnoea is a serious health issue that can significantly impact one's quality of life. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing the condition effectively. Chen's openness about his experience serves as an important reminder of the condition's prevalence and the need for awareness.
Leave a Reply