Please don't wake me: one million people to be screened for risky sleep disorder

AMSTERDAM, March 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Snore much? Beware: it's one of the key signs of a disorder that may lead to serious chronic diseases, including diabetes or heart disease.

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In an effort to help obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) sufferers identify and combat the disorder, Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced it will screen one million people worldwide for OSA over the next five years.

Philips' program, consistent with its stated commitment to improve access to health care and save lives, will include screening across North America, Europe and Asia. The program uses an online risk assessment on its World Sleep Day website. 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 health care provider.

"Obstructive sleep apnea steals health from its sufferers and put them on a path to potentially life-threatening diseases," said Brent Shafer, CEO, Philips Home Healthcare Solutions. "It is our goal to use our innovative solutions to help OSA sufferers identify and combat this very serious disorder."

Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, and affects approximately five to six percent of the adult population¹. It is characterized by a narrowing or closing of the upper airway, which hinders breathing during sleep.

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 include²:

• Frequent loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing or gasping for breath
• Obesity
• Regularly falling asleep in situations, such as reading, watching TV or driving
• High blood pressure

"There are three important steps to helping individuals with OSA: awareness, diagnosis and treatment. Each is integral to improving the sleep quality and overall health of individuals around the world," said Dr. Lee-Chiong, chief medical liaison for Philips Home Healthcare Solutions. "Philips' pledge helps individuals take the first step to make them aware of their risk for OSA."

To find out if you're at risk for obstructive sleep apnea or for more information about World Sleep Day 2013 and what's happening in your local area, visit www.philips.com/worldsleepday.  

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2012 sales of EUR 24.8 billion and employs approximately 118,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming, home and portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

¹ Young T et al. (2002). Epidemiology of obstructive sleep apnea: a population health perspective. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 165, 1217-1239.

² Young T, Skatrud J, Peppard PE. Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea in adults. JAMA. 2004 Apr 28;29:2013-6.

SOURCE Philips