Philips Healthcare India has unveiled its plans to organise over 300 sleep-focused awareness events and to train over 500 physicians in dealing with sleep disorders in 2014.

The company has already assisted hospitals and clinics across the country to set up over 250 sleep labs touching 3 lakh people in last 2-3 years.  In 2013, the company conducted over 200 sleep focussed events and trained over 300 technicians and 600 physicians to meet the demand for trained sleep specialists.  It has also introduced the first certificate training programme for physicians under the banner of Indian Sleep Disorder Association.

With March 14 being celebrated as World Sleep Day, Phillips is now keen to provide sleep-related solutions in India through a holistic approach.

 “Sleep disorders are a much more serious issue than most people understand, especially given their direct correlation with other more serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke etc. For example, in a country where snoring is traditionally associated with sound sleep, it is extremely challenging to make people aware that it is actually a sign of a serious sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea  (OSA),” says Bidur Dhaul, senior director, home health care, Philips Healthcare India.

 “We have been able to increase awareness significantly over the past few years, but there is still a long way to go,” he added.

Extreme symptoms of OSA like excessive daytime sleepiness, extreme tiredness and irritability which not only affect the productivity and overall quality of life, but  results in work related accidents or traffic accidents. In fact, several developed countries do not allow OSA patients to drive, given the risk of the patient falling asleep or reduced attention while driving.

Through its awareness programs, Philips emphasised these consequences of OSA and highlighted that lack of sleep can also lead to serious health issues such as increased risk of diabetes, weight gain, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and stroke among others.  In order to help people in the early stages of OSA, Philips has also established a toll free helpline at 1800-208-2882 through which people can avail a free screening and guidance to locate a sleep physician in their city.

 According to Dr. Rajesh Gupta, Centre for Chest Diseases & Sleep Disorder, New Delhi, “Treating OSA will help witness immediate relief from symptoms like daytime sleepiness, extreme fatigue thereby resulting in improved energy levels across the day. As per various researches, it can also lower blood pressure, decrease insulin resistance and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke when treated with CPAP therapy.”