By Rebecca Barnes
For many men, feeling tired has become part of everyday life. Between work, family, and the constant pace of modern living, exhaustion can feel inevitable. But what if that fatigue isn’t just a sign of a busy schedule? What if it’s a sign of something more serious?
Members of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s Men’s Wellness Committee recently took part in a challenge to prioritize their well-being, starting with a full panel of health screenings, including a PSA blood test and a sleep apnea screening. Sponsored by GameDay Men’s Health, the initiative encouraged men to establish a baseline for their health and address conditions that often go unnoticed until they become serious.
The Hidden Cost of Poor Sleep
Sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, affects millions of men but often goes undiagnosed. Symptoms can include snoring, daytime fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating, all things many men write off as normal.
Yet untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and stroke. “Men are notorious for powering through symptoms instead of getting checked,” says Eugene Brown, Community Outreach Manager at Prince William Chamber of Commerce. “This challenge was about changing that mindset.”
Josh Oldham’s Story: From Fatigue to Focus
When Josh Oldham of GameDay Men’s Health was 22 and serving in the Army, he thought he was in peak condition. But despite his fitness, something didn’t feel right.
“I found myself falling asleep during the day, struggling with brain fog, and relying heavily on caffeine just to keep up,” he recalls. His fellow soldiers mentioned his snoring was getting worse, which prompted him to schedule a sleep study. That’s when he learned he had sleep apnea.
The military recommended palate reduction surgery, but Josh delayed it. “Life got in the way,” he says. “It wasn’t until six years later that I finally went through the process of getting my first CPAP machine.”
The difference was immediate. “The morning after my first night using it, it felt like the lights in my brain had turned back on,” he says. “I had no idea how much fatigue and brain fog I had accepted as normal. I thought it was just part of getting older, something to push through, not treat.”
Now, Josh encourages others not to ignore the warning signs. “Schedule your sleep study,” he advises. “It’s not the most comfortable experience, but the benefits of truly restorative sleep are absolutely worth it. Sleep clinics are becoming much more common, so there’s no shortage of places to get evaluated and improve your sleep hygiene.”
The Chamber’s Challenge: Building a Culture of Prevention
Through its Men’s Wellness Committee, the Chamber’s goal is simple — to make prevention and early detection part of every man’s health routine. By partnering with local providers like GameDay Men’s Health, the committee ensures participants can receive practical, science-backed information and personalized recommendations.
“This wasn’t just about one test,” said one committee participant, “It’s about starting conversations that men don’t always have — about prostate health, testosterone, and yes, even sleep.”
The challenge included a comprehensive baseline of screenings, such as:
- PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Test
- Testosterone Test
- Blood Glucose (Diabetes)
- Cholesterol and Lipid Profile
- Liver Function
- Thyroid Function
- Vitamin D and B12 Levels
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Blood Pressure and BMI
Rest, Restore, Reclaim
Sleep apnea doesn’t only affect how men sleep; it affects how they live. Fatigue impacts productivity, relationships, and overall mental health. But with awareness and proper treatment, many men experience dramatic improvements in their quality of life.
As the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s Men’s Wellness Committee continues its work, the message is clear: paying attention to sleep, screenings, and overall wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
The first step to living better might be as simple as getting a better night’s sleep.
For more information about the Men’s Wellness Council, contact
Eugene Brownl Community Outreach Manager
Prince William Chamber of Commerce
T: (703) 368-6600
Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living and CEO of Imagine, a destination marketing agency. A longtime advocate for community wellness and engagement, she enjoys sharing stories that inspire residents to live well, stay informed, and stay connected.
