Philips to screen 1 M people for obstructive sleep apnea

MANILA, Philippines - Are you snoring? Beware: it is one of the key signs of a common sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which may lead to serious diseases, including heart disease or diabetes.

In an effort to help OSA sufferers identify and treat the disorder, Royal Philips Electronics has announced it will screen one million people worldwide for OSA over the next five years, out of which 150,000 will be from the Asia-Pacific.

This year’s theme – “Good Sleep, Healthy Aging” — aligns with Philips’ commitment to serve as an ally in better sleep and breathing for different age groups.

Philips’ pledge, consistent with its stated commitment to improve access to healthcare and save lives, will include screening across Asia, North America and Europe.

The campaign uses an online risk assessment which can be found at www.areyousnoring.com. Individuals who have symptoms or believe they may be at-risk are encouraged to take the online risk assessment test. Upon completion, it will provide their risk level for OSA and encourage follow-up with their healthcare provider or physicians.

“There are three important steps to helping individuals with obstructive sleep apnea: awareness, diagnosis and treatment. Each is integral to improving the sleep quality and overall health of individuals around the world. Obstructive sleep apnea depletes health from its patients and puts them on a path to potential life-threatening diseases,” said Arjen Radder, president for the Asia-Pacific of Philips Healthcare.

“It is our goal to use our innovative solutions to help obstructive sleep apnea patients recognize and fight this grave disorder. Philips’ initiative for the one million pledges re-affirms our goal to help individuals take the first step to make them aware of their risk of obstructive sleep apnea,” Radder added.

In addition to the one million pledge commitment, Philips is also working with University Malaya Specialist Center (UMSC) to set up the ASEAN Sleep Research and Competence Center (ASRCC).

With the ASRCC, there will be more facilities to meet the diagnostic needs of sleep disorders across the ASEAN region. The center will also be training professionals in sleep health and conducting clinical research studies.

At a regional level, the ASRCC will help healthcare institutions across the ASEAN region to leverage it as a training center for physicians and technologists in the practice of sleep medicine.

In addition, the ASRCC will also have the Tele-Medicine Competence and Sleep Services Center, Application and Clinical Research Center, Training Academy, and Corporate Service Center.

It will also drive product development and research on the ASEAN level, as well as create awareness for sleep medicine and related co-morbidities in the region. This will in turn help drive public policy on health wellness.

OSA is one of the most common sleep disorders and affects approximately two to four percent of the adult population globally.

It is a disorder characterized by airway collapse (behind the tongue) during sleep, which obstructs breathing. If untreated, it can contribute to the development of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. Snoring should also not be ignored in children, as it may be a symptom of OSA.

In the Philippines, sleep experts estimate that up to six percent of the population may be suffering from OSA. Age, obesity and smoking have been cited as possible causes of habitual snoring.

Sleep is often labeled as the “third pillar of good health,” along with diet and exercise. Philips research suggests that more than two-thirds of all people with sleep apnea are not diagnosed.

The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is weight gain. Other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include frequent loud snoring, pauses in breathing or gasping for breath, obesity, regularly falling asleep in situations such as reading, watching TV or driving, and high blood pressure

“The effects of sleep disorders should not be underestimated,” said Radder. “Most sleep disorders are treatable, yet far too many individuals do not seek professional help. Philips will continue working to help those with sleep disordered breathing to manage their conditions and lead healthier lives.”

Log on to www.areyousnoring.com to be part of the one million people screened for OSA.