When Martin Kemp, former Spandau Ballet bassist told The Daily Telegraph on May 31, 2022 that a simple anti‑snoring nose strip lets him “sleep like a baby”, the revelation sparked a broader look at the Kemp family’s nocturnal habits.
Background: The Kemp Family and Their Home
The Kems live in a five‑bedroom Victorian house in the village of Matching, Essex, purchased in 2021 for an undisclosed sum. The property includes a converted coach house that now serves as a guest suite for their children, Roman Kemp and his sister Harley Moon Kemp. In late 2023, Shirlie Holliman Kemp—Martin’s wife since July 15, 1988—came down with a fever that spiked to 100 °F, forcing Martin to temporarily relocate to the spare bedroom. He recalled, “It felt like there was an electric blanket on the bed, but it was mum’s heat radiating across the room.”
Why a Nose Strip Became Martin’s Go‑To Sleep Aid
During the 2022 UK tour, the band stopped at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on May 31, where the Telegraph interview took place. Martin explained that his nighttime routine is almost ceremonial: a quick splash of water, a dab of moisturizer if his eyes feel dry, and then the one thing that truly works—a discreet adhesive strip that gently opens the nasal passage.
“I put it on, lie down, and I’m out like a light. No grinding, no tossing. I literally sleep like a baby,” he said.
He noted that he tried other methods—herbal teas, white‑noise machines, even a brief stint with a CPAP mask after his son’s diagnosis—but the strip was the only thing that felt effortless enough to stick with while he’s on the road. The strip’s simplicity also means he can slip it on backstage, in a dressing room, or on a cramped tour bus without any fanfare.
Roman Kemp’s Struggle with Sleep Apnoea
Roman, a 29‑year‑old presenter on Capital Breakfast (Global Media & Entertainment Ltd.), received a sleep apnoea diagnosis in May 2022—a surprising age for a condition that usually strikes those over 50. In an interview with Hello Magazine, he described the “debilitating” fatigue that would hit mid‑conversation, turning him into an unintentional snorer.
The condition forces his breathing to stop and start several times per hour, leading to gasps, choking sounds, and frequent awakenings. Because his show runs from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM GMT, any disruption could cascade into missed cues and a flustered morning crew. Roman’s treatment plan includes a CPAP machine and lifestyle tweaks, but he remains grateful for his father’s low‑tech advice, even if the solutions differ.
Medical Insight: Dr. Irshaad Ebrahim on Sleep Apnoea
According to Dr. Irshaad Ebrahim, co‑founder of The London Sleep Centre, early detection is key, especially for younger patients who might otherwise ignore symptoms. “When someone in their twenties presents with classic apnoea signs, we dig deeper—genetics, weight, and even nighttime environment matter,” he told Hello Magazine.
Dr. Ebrahim praised Roman’s willingness to speak publicly, noting that “visibility drives early testing. If a Capital Breakfast host admits he struggles, his listeners might book a sleep study themselves.” He also added that simple measures—like using a nasal strip—can improve airflow, but they’re not a substitute for addressing the underlying airway blockage.
Impact on Touring Life and Future Plans
Back on the stage, Martin’s nightly habit has become a backstage superstition. Crew members now keep a small drawer stocked with the strips, and the band’s tour manager jokes, “If Martin’s not snoring, the whole show runs smoother.” The 2022 tour spanned 17 venues across England, Scotland, and Wales between May 12 and June 4, and the strip helped him maintain consistency despite variable hotel conditions.
Looking ahead, Spandau Ballet has announced a 2025 European leg, with stops in Germany, France, and Italy. While the band’s setlist remains largely unchanged, Martin hinted at a potential talk segment on sleep health during press events—a nod to his son’s ongoing journey and his own low‑tech fix.
Key Facts
- Martin Kemp’s preferred sleep aid: anti‑snoring nose strip (first mentioned May 31, 2022).
- Family home: Victorian property in Matching, Essex, bought 2021.
- Roman Kemp diagnosed with sleep apnoea at age 29 (May 2022).
- Dr. Irshaad Ebrahim urges early testing for younger adults.
- Spandau Ballet’s next tour slated for 2025 across Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Martin Kemp’s nose strip differ from a CPAP machine?
The strip is a thin adhesive that gently widens the nostrils, offering a small boost in airflow. A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device delivers pressurized air through a mask, treating underlying obstruction. The strip is painless and portable, but it won’t resolve severe apnoea like a CPAP can.
What impact did Shirlie Kemp’s illness have on the family’s sleeping arrangements?
When Shirlie’s fever spiked to 100 °F in October 2023, Martin moved from the master bedroom to a spare room to avoid overheating the bed. The temporary shift highlighted how health events can force even long‑time co‑sleepers to adapt their nightly routines.
Why is Roman Kemp’s sleep apnoea considered unusual?
Apnoea typically emerges after age 50, when airway tissue naturally stiffens. Roman was diagnosed at 29, suggesting genetic predisposition or lifestyle factors. Early detection allowed him to start treatment before the condition could affect his demanding broadcasting schedule.
What advice does Dr. Irshaad Ebrahim give to young adults with possible sleep‑related issues?
He recommends a sleep diary, a professional sleep study if symptoms persist, and modest changes like eliminating alcohol before bed. While simple tools such as nasal strips can help, they’re not a cure for structural breathing problems.
Will the upcoming 2025 Spandau Ballet tour address sleep health?
Martin hinted that press events could include a brief chat about his nose‑strip routine and Roman’s experience. While the shows themselves will stay focused on music, the band plans to raise awareness about sleep wellness during media appearances.
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