Royal Philips Electronics is joining with the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) as an official sponsor of World Sleep Day 2012, today. This year’s theme—“Breathe Easily, Sleep Well”—centers on raising awareness of sleep disorders that affect a person’s breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
“Philips is pleased to partner with the World Association of Sleep Medicine for World Sleep Day 2012 to build awareness and understanding around disorders that affect the quality of sleep, including obstructive sleep apnea,” said David White, MD, chief medical officer for Philips Home Healthcare Solutions and a professor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School.
OSA is one of the most common sleep disorders and affects approximately 5% to 6% of the adult population and 2% to 3% of children. More than two thirds of all people with sleep apnea are not diagnosed and if left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of other serious chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
The effects of sleep disorders should not be underestimated,” said Allan O’Bryan, executive director of WASM. “Most sleep disorders are treatable, yet far too many individuals do not seek professional help. Philips and WASM continue working to help those with sleep disordered breathing manage their conditions and lead healthier lives.”
Through Philips Respironics, Philips provides medical sleep products, especially for people suffering from OSA and those who seek to improve their quality of sleep. To educate people on the risks, diagnosis, and treatment options for OSA, Philips Respironics launched an OSA educational program featuring an interactive OSA risk assessment "Sleep Quiz."
Source: Philips Respironics
