To mark the World Sleep Day, Philips Healthcare India conducted a study in India on patient population in 2015-16. It has revealed that more than 53 per cent of sleep apnea suspects are already suffering from either diabetes or high blood pressure and this is significantly higher when compared with the non-suspects group where the prevalence was only 21 per cent. As experts have specified earlier, this survey further establishes the correlation that sleep apnea is likely to lead to serious health issues such as increased risk of high blood pressure, obesity and irregular heartbeats amongst others. The study further showcased that 14 per cent of suspects suffer from cardiac problem against only 6 per cent in the non-suspects group. 84 per cent of the suspects also confessed to people getting troubled because of their heavy snoring. They also emphasized the pressing need to get treated for sleep apnea before it turns into life-threatening conditions like chronic cardiac conditions, strokes, neurological disorders to name a few.

As a country, India is suspected to have around 30-35 million sleep apnea patients. Through the study, Philips Healthcare continues to try educating people by stressing that extreme symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) like unwarranted daytime sleepiness and trouble in concentrating, impact on productivity and overall quality of life. Not only does this affect general lifestyle patterns but chronic sleep disorder could also lead to graver health issues. Philips Healthcare India has already established over 400 sleep labs in association with leading sleep specialists across the country which adds on to Philips’ long-standing commitment to drive awareness around OSA and other sleep disorders.

Dr Abhijeet Deshpande, International Institute of Sleep Sciences, Mumbai says, “India is a host to diabetic and blood pressure patients, due to the given lifestyle and this only increases the chances of patients also having sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. Frequent intervals of breathlessness, excessive loud snoring, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, excessive sleep during the daytime are all common symptoms of a sleep disorder. But the challenge is to make people aware of the condition and its effects that are life-threatening conditions like chronic cardiac conditions, strokes, neurological disorders to name a few. Educating the public on sleep disorders and their treatment is the need of the hour.

He further adds, “The good news is that most sleep disorders are entirely treatable. The bad news is people are oblivious to such problems even existing. With most urban Indians sleeping under six hours due to their lifestyle, India currently is under a large ‘sleep debt’. And due to the same reasons these people get susceptible to related diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Proper sleep and diagnosis of the disease from a specialist is deemed.”

Udit Goyal, business head- home healthcare, Philips Healthcare India says, “It has been speculated that by 2025 around 70-80 million of India’s population will suffer from diabetes and hypertension. As per experts, the prevalence of Sleep Apnea in such patients’ accounts to around 40 per cent-48 per cent and treatment for Sleep Apnea can help them manage their existing health issues effectively. I was pleased when I heard feedback from patients like Azeem who is a taxi driver, “I feel remarkably energetic these days. I am able to wake up fresh in spite of going to bed late and I don’t feel sleepy while driving. My diabetes and blood pressure are also under control and I spend quality time with my family.” This is in-line with the Philips commitment to touch 3Billions lives by 2020.”

The study was conducted across the country (tier 1 and tier 2 cities) with around 1027 respondents. The respondents answered a set of questions online with an objective to access their risk for Sleep Apnea.

Marking the World Sleep Day, Philips Healthcare India along with certain hospitals will be conducting patient screening tests across Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai from March 18th- 31st, 2016. Interested patients can give a call on the toll free number 1800 208 2882 to get more details.