Philips aims to screen obstructive sleep apnea

1 in 3 men in Saudi Arabia are at risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, according to statistics revealed at the 4th Gulf Sleep Medicine Meeting, which took place in Dubai in December 2012. Philips Respironics and the Saudi Sleep Medicine Group (SSMG) demonstrated and discussed recent innovations in Sleep Diagnostics and Therapy Solutions at the event.

Philips' program, consistent with its stated commitment to improve access to health care and save lives, will include screening across North America, Europe and Asia. The program uses an online risk assessment on its World Sleep Day website. Individuals who have symptoms or believe they may be at-risk are encouraged to take the online risk assessment test. Upon completion, it will provide their risk level for OSA and encourage follow up with their health care provider.

"Obstructive sleep apnea steals health from its sufferers and put them on a path to potentially life-threatening diseases," said Diederik Zeven, General Manager Philips "It is our goal to use our innovative solutions to help OSA sufferers identify and combat this very serious disorder."

Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, and affects approximately five to six percent of the adult population. It is characterized by a narrowing or closing of the upper airway, which hinders breathing during sleep.

The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is weight gain. Other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• 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

Sleep is often labeled 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.