On the eve of World Sleep Day 2013, being celebrated on March 15, Philips Healthcare India has reiterated its commitment to increasing awareness on common sleep disorders that affect an overwhelming 93 per cent Indians.

As part of its awareness drive, Philips Home Healthcare division organised over 150 sleep focused events in 2012 and intends to increase this to 250 in 2013. The company has already trained over 200 technicians and 500 physicians, and will continue to grow this number over the next few years. In addition it will also help assist hospitals in setting up more sleep labs across the country.

Through its awareness programmes, Philips has emphasized that lack of sleep not only impacts the overall quality and productivity of a person’s life but also leads to serious health issues such as increased risk of diabetes, weight gain, high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats among others. According to industry estimates, today there are at least seven million Indians who are living with different types of sleep disorders, with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) being the most common.

“Despite the alarming and well-documented consequences of not sleeping enough, it is still not considered a serious health issue in India. If left untreated, lack of sleep and snoring could signal a more serious condition OSA, which can potentially lead to heart disease, worsen heart failure and even trigger heart attacks,” said Bidur Dhaul, senior director, Home Health Care, Philips Healthcare India.

“People who are experiencing poor sleep must visit a doctor for correct diagnosis. If detected on time, this can be treated and one can avoid more serious health issues,” he added.

Some of the most common signs of OSA are loud and chronic snoring, frequent urination at night, morning headaches, irritability, depression, mood swings, memory or learning problems and inability to concentrate.

According to Dr Sanjay Manchanda, Hony. consultant and chairperson Sleep Medicine Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, a good night’s sleep is the best balm for body, mind and soul.

“We are experiencing an epidemic of sleep disorders which is further fuelling the epidemics of diabetes and heart diseases. In this era where effective and established diagnostic and treatment modalities exist there is no reason for the masses should suffer from these sleep disorders. Its our duty to reach out each patient suffering educate and empower them and turn around their lives, said Dr Himanshu Garg, senior consultant, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Medanta, Gurgaon.

Globally, approximately 100 million people suffer from OSA, according to World Health Organization (WHO). Evidence collected by WHO suggests that undiagnosed patients with OSA incur higher health-care costs.

In India, a Philips survey conducted by The Nielsen Company revealed that 93 per cent Indians are sleep-deprived, getting less than the eight hours of sleep they need every day. An astonishing 11 per cent take leave from work because of lack of sleep. The study also revealed that 58 per cent expressed the condition impacted work while 11 per cent actually fall asleep at work. A whopping 87 per cent agree they are aware that lack of sleep affects their health. Interestingly, only two per cent Indians discussed their sleep issues with a physician.