Philips launches Sleep Powers initiative to mark World Sleep Day

MANILA, Philippines - Sleep disorders like sleep deprivation and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are becoming a global health concern as they are often left untreated due to lack of awareness of the public and healthcare professionals.

“OSA poses a serious threat as this sleep disorder is estimated to affect some 100 million people worldwide, including Filipinos,” said Fabia Tetteroo-Bueno, country manager of Philips Philippines.

Individuals with OSA stop breathing repeatedly during sleep which is caused by the narrowing or closure of the upper airway, explains Tetteroo-Bueno.

In response to this looming health threat, Royal Philips is launching its Sleep Powers initiative to commemorate this year’s World Sleep Day. The initiative aims to promote awareness on the benefits of sleep and the important role it plays in the daily lives of Filipinos.

“Filipinos are tireless workers, and at times they forget about the value of good sleep,” says Tetteroo-Bueno. “The Sleep Powers initiative aims to educate Filipinos about the importance of a good night’s sleep as it is essential in the formation of a healthier lifestyle.”

A pledge to fight OSA

As part of its campaign against sleep disorders, Philips has launched the Sleep Power Quotient quiz, which will grade a person’s quality of sleep based on his answers to simple sleep habit and health questions.

Upon completion of the Sleep Power Quotient quiz, any individual with results that point to poor sleep habits will then be invited to take an online risk assessment test to determine his risk level for OSA. Those at high risk for the sleep disorder will be directed to follow up with their healthcare provider.

“It surprises me that with all the talk about sleep, we are still seeing a lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals on OSA and the significant consequences of this serious sleep disorder,” said Mark Aloia, senior director of global clinical research for Philips Healthcare.

“We are looking to beat the statistics and create broader understanding of all that sleep can do to help improve overall population health,” he said.

Last year, Philips announced its pledge to screen one million people for OSA over a period of five years in an effort to help OSA sufferers identify and combat the disorder.

Join the global movement

The company’s 2014 worldwide campaign for sleep awareness includes a new visual OSA guide and 7 Tips to A More Restful and Refreshed You. These demonstrates Philips’ continued dedication to improving the lives of patients suffering from OSA or other serious sleep disorders and highlights how sleep powers all of our daily activities.

“Sleeping well is essential to good health and loss of quality of sleep can lead to numerous health problems such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke and diabetes,” explains Dr. Teofilo Lee Chiong, chief medical liaison of Philips Home Healthcare Solutions.

“The Sleep Powers initiative aims to draw more attention to the importance of a good night’s sleep and encourages better sleep as a part of a healthy lifestyle,” Chiong said.

Organized by the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM), this year’s World Sleep Day highlights “Restful Sleep, Easy Breathing, Healthy Body,” through the promotion of healthy sleep for people of all ages.

The annual event is intended to be a celebration of sleep and a call to action on important issues related to sleep.

WASM aims to advance sleep health worldwide by promoting and encouraging education and research around the World, particularly in areas like the Philippines where the practice of sleep medicine is less developed.

For more information on World Sleep Day 2014 and how Philips is observing the day in your local area, visit www.philips.com/worldsleepday or follow the World Sleep Day 2014 conversation on Twitter at @PhilipsHealth and @PhilipsResp, Facebook at Philips Healthcare and Philips Respironics, and Instagram at Philips Healthcare.