Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 30: Seeking to create awareness about sleep disorder among the Indian populace, Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) and Philips India have joined hands to fight the disorder that is approximately affecting 30 to 40 percent of the people in the country.
Highlighting the need to educate people about the ill effects of sleep disorder, a statement issued here by VHAI said: “Notably, studies show that 30-40% of the working population, particularly those in high-stress jobs such as corporate executives, medical professionals and cops, do not get proper sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (commonly known as sleep disorder) is characterized by respiratory difficulties during sleep affecting around 9-21% of women and 24-31% of men.”
“Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious and very common sleep disorder. Approximately six million adults in India suffer from OSA but 80% remain undiagnosed. Untreated OSA can increase your risk of heart ailments and driving related accidents. Key symptoms like loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness are generally ignored by people. We have partnered with VHAI to spread awareness on these causes, so that patients can identify the symptoms and get themselves treated well in time,” said Udit Goyal, Business Head – Home Healthcare (South Asia) at Philips Health Systems.
Chief Executive, Voluntary Health Association of India, Bhavna B Mukhopadhyay said that they are trying to raise awareness about a less known but an extremely important health issue like sleep apnea which has a significant impact on cardio – vascular health and day to day functioning of the patient. She said that sleep disorder is one of the prime reasons for the ever increasing road accidents in India.
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