Pledge to help people worldwide to get better night’s sleep

Press Information

14 March 2013

Philips pledges to help a million people worldwide to get a better night’s sleep

Philips aims to screen people at risk of obstructive sleep apnea, a major cause of heart disease and diabetes

New Zealand – Do you or your partner wake up snoring? Be careful: it is one of the key signs of the common sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can lead to serious diseases including heart disease and diabetes. To celebrate World Sleep Day, Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) has announced it will screen one million people worldwide for OSA over the next five years.

In New Zealand alone it is estimated that 10 per cent of the middle-aged male population suffer from sleep apnea syndrome. This can have huge effects on a person’s overall health and wellbeing including increasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. If left undiagnosed, sleep apnea can also make sufferers two to seven times more likely to have motor vehicle accidents. [Sleep New Zealand - http://www.sleepnz.co.nz/sleepapnoea.shtml ]

Philips’ pledge to screen one million people worldwide begins with an online risk assessment (www.areyousnoring.com) where individuals who have symptoms or believe they may be at-risk are encouraged to take the online test. Once completed, the test will provide the respondents’ risk level for sleep apnea and outline some suggested next steps such as visiting a healthcare provider or physician.

President, Asia Pacific, Philips Healthcare, Arjen Radder says, "There are three important steps to helping individuals with obstructive sleep apnea: awareness, diagnosis and treatment. Each is integral to improving the sleep quality and overall health of individuals around the world. Philips’ pledge reaffirms our goal to help individuals take the first step to make them aware of their individual risk."

In addition to the one million pledge commitment, Philips is partnering with University of Malaya Specialist Centre (UMSC) to launch an ASEAN Sleep Research & Competence Centre (ARSCC). This will provide more facilities to meet the diagnostic needs of sleep disorders across the region. The center will also be training professionals in sleep health and conducting clinical research studies.

“The effects of sleep disorders should not be underestimated. Most sleep disorders are treatable, yet far too many individuals do not seek professional help. Philips will continue working to help those with sleep-disordered breathing to manage their conditions and lead healthier lives,” said Arjen Radder.

Philips is a global leader in the management of sleep disorders and has developed a wide range of products and solutions, from diagnostic tools through to patient-centered sleep therapy devices, to help enhance quality of sleep.

ENDS

About Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is one of the most common sleep disorders, affecting approximately two to four per cent of the global adult population. It is a disorder characterised by airway collapse (behind the tongue) during sleep, which obstructs breathing. If untreated, it can contribute to the development of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. Snoring should also not be ignored in children, as it may be a symptom of OSA.

Sleep is often labelled as the ‘third pillar of good health’, along with diet and exercise. Philips research suggests that more than two-thirds of all people with sleep apnea are not diagnosed.

The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is weight gain. Other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include[Young T, Skatrud J, Peppard PE. Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea in adults. JAMA. 2004 Apr 28;29:2013-6.]:
• Frequent loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing or gasping for breath
• Obesity
• Regularly falling asleep in situations, such as reading, watching TV or driving
• High blood pressure

Log on to www.areyousnoring.com to be part of the one million people screened for OSA.

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2012 sales of EUR 24.8 billion and employs approximately 118,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming, home and portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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