Philips Korea Survey: Sleep Disorder Treatment Gap Exposes silent Suffering
SEOUL—A recent survey conducted by Hankook Research on behalf of Philips korea, the local branch of global health technology giant Philips, has revealed a concerning trend: many Korean adults are struggling with poor sleep quality and various sleep disorders, yet a notable number are not actively seeking treatment. The survey, which polled 2,000 Korean adults, highlights a critical gap between the recognition of sleepS importance and the willingness to address sleep-related breathing conditions like sleep apnea.
The findings, announced Wednesday by Philips Korea, underscore the need for increased awareness and proactive intervention to improve the sleep health of the Korean population. The survey paints a picture of widespread sleep disturbances and a lack of understanding regarding available treatments.
Alarming Statistics on Sleep quality in Korea
The survey revealed that the average weekday sleep duration for Korean adults is a mere 6.4 hours. Furthermore, a staggering 68.6 percent of respondents reported experiencing sleep disturbances. These disturbances include:
- Insomnia (29.3 percent)
- Snoring (24.7 percent)
- Sleep apnea (9.4 percent)
Despite these prevalent issues, and the fact that 86.5 percent of respondents consider sleep essential for physical health and 84.6 percent for mental well-being,only 29.5 percent reported being satisfied with their sleep.
The Growing Problem of Sleep Apnea
Professor Kim Hye-eun, director of the Sleep Research Center at International St. Mary’s Hospital, highlighted the alarming increase in sleep apnea cases in Korea. “The number of sleep apnea patients in Korea nearly tripled, rising from 45,067 in 2018 to 153,802 in 2023,”
Kim said, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Snoring, often dismissed as a mere nuisance, can be a significant indicator of underlying sleep apnea. Professor Kim Hye-eun noted, “Nearly half of snorers ignore treatment, but snoring can signal sleep apnea,”
stressing the importance of seeking medical evaluation for persistent snoring.
Professor Kim advocates for active care, particularly continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves using a machine to maintain open airways during sleep. This therapy is crucial for managing sleep apnea and preventing its associated health risks. CPAP machines deliver a constant and steady stream of air pressure to keep the airways open, preventing pauses in breathing and ensuring uninterrupted sleep. Without treatment, sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
low Awareness of CPAP Therapy
Despite 71.4 percent of survey participants acknowledging the need for sleep apnea treatment, awareness of CPAP therapy remains surprisingly low.Only 26 percent of respondents were familiar with CPAP therapy,and a mere 29.7 percent were aware of its benefits. This lack of awareness presents a significant barrier to effective treatment and improved sleep health.
The survey also revealed that many sleep apnea patients are unaware of their condition, frequently enough discovering it through their partners or spouses. Even after becoming aware, only 59.5 percent sought medical treatment, while 27.7 percent remained unaware of CPAP therapy, highlighting a critical need for increased education and outreach.
Philips Korea’s Commitment to Sleep Health
Philips Korea’s Sleep and Respiratory Care division is dedicated to developing treatments for sleep and respiratory disorders, including sleep apnea and asthma, through advanced technology. The division offers comprehensive care, integrating diagnosis, treatment, and patient management with mobile apps and devices like CPAP and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines.
Shehaan Fernando, head of Philips’ Sleep and Respiratory Care division in the Asia-Pacific region, stated, “To realise philips’ vision of ‘better care for more people,’ our sleep division is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those suffering from respiratory-related disorders through sleep solutions such as CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators and ventilators.”
Fernando also noted the expected growth of the global CPAP market, projecting an average annual growth rate of 7.51 percent until 2030, reflecting the increasing demand for sleep health solutions.
Park do-hyun, head of Philips Korea’s sleep and Respiratory Care division, estimates that approximately 15.8 percent of Korean adults – roughly 6.9 million people – may be affected by sleep apnea. This significant figure underscores the urgency of addressing this widespread health issue.
“Moving forward, Philips will collaborate with medical experts and partners to raise awareness about sleep apnea and proper treatment methods,”
Park said. “Above all, we strive to deliver sleep health solutions that support treatment management and enhance sleep quality.”
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Better Sleep Health
The Philips Korea survey serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of prioritizing sleep health and seeking appropriate treatment for sleep disorders. The low awareness of CPAP therapy and the high prevalence of untreated sleep apnea highlight the need for increased education and proactive intervention. By collaborating with medical experts and raising awareness, Philips Korea aims to improve the sleep quality and overall well-being of the Korean population.
The silent Epidemic: Unmasking Korea’s Sleep Apnea Crisis and the Path to Better Rest
Six out of ten Korean adults suffer from sleep disturbances, yet many remain undiagnosed and untreated. Is this a ticking time bomb for public health?
Interviewer: Dr.Lee, thank you for joining us today. The recent Philips Korea survey paints a stark picture of sleep health in South Korea. Can you elaborate on the key findings that highlight the urgency of the situation?
Dr. Lee: The survey underscores a critical gap between the recognized importance of sleep and the actual pursuit of treatment for sleep disorders in Korea.The alarming statistic of 68.6 percent of respondents reporting sleep disturbances, including high rates of insomnia and snoring, points to a widespread problem. Even more concerning is the significant underdiagnosis and undertreatment of sleep apnea, a condition with severe long-term health consequences. Many Koreans are simply unaware of the condition’s severity, its potential for serious complications like heart disease or stroke, or even the effective treatment options available. This lack of awareness represents a significant public health challenge, one that necessitates swift and extensive action.
Interviewer: The survey highlights a significant percentage of individuals experiencing sleep apnea,yet a low level of awareness regarding CPAP therapy. Why do you think this knowledge gap exists?
Dr. Lee: The lack of awareness surrounding CPAP therapy and its benefits stems from several factors. Firstly, sleep apnea frequently enough presents subtly, with symptoms such as snoring and daytime fatigue often dismissed as normal aging or lifestyle issues. Secondly, CPAP, while highly effective, can seem cumbersome at first. Many individuals might be hesitant due to misperceptions about the machine’s use and potential discomfort. access to information about effective sleep apnea treatment and the availability of CPAP machines is a hurdle; more comprehensive public health campaigns and educational initiatives are needed to bridge this knowledge gap. We need to disseminate information about the latest sleep medicine advancements and effectively communicate the proven benefits of CPAP therapy or other interventions in a clear and accessible way.
Interviewer: Professor Kim Hye-eun mentioned the dramatic increase in diagnosed sleep apnea cases in Korea. What factors might be contributing to this rise?
dr.Lee: Several factors likely contribute to the rise in sleep apnea cases. Increasing sedentary lifestyles, growing rates of obesity, and the prevalence of conditions like hypertension and diabetes – often comorbidities of sleep apnea – play significant roles.Increased stress levels and altered sleep patterns related to modern life should also be included in this.These factors combined create a perfect storm of increased susceptibility and trigger for the disorder. We need to address these underlying health issues proactively to mitigate sleep apnea occurrence.
Interviewer: Beyond CPAP,are there other effective treatment options for sleep apnea?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely. While CPAP therapy is a gold standard of treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea, other options exist depending on the patient’s individual circumstances and the severity of their condition. These include oral appliances, which reposition the jaw and tongue to keep airways open during sleep, and surgical interventions in selected cases, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP). The choice of treatment requires consultation with a sleep specialist to provide a customized approach for optimal success. However, it’s crucial to emphasize early diagnosis and intervention to prevent the long-term health consequences associated with untreated sleep apnea.
Interviewer: What steps can individuals take to improve their sleep hygiene and potentially reduce their risk of developing sleep apnea?
Dr. Lee: Improving sleep hygiene is crucial to promote restful sleep and overall well-being. Here are key recommendations:
Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, even on weekends, to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music.
Optimize your sleep habitat: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.A cozy mattress and pillows are also essential.
Limit screen time before bed: The blue light emitted from electronic devices can interfere with sleep.
Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise can improve sleep quality, but avoid intense workouts close to bedtime.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a major risk factor for sleep apnea.
* Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption: Alcohol and caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns.
Interviewer: What’s the message you woudl like to leave our readers with concerning sleep apnea and sleep health in general?
Dr. Lee: The message overall is simple yet profound: Don’t ignore the impact of sleep on your overall health and treat sleep disorders seriously. Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. If you suspect you have sleep apnea or any other sleep disorder, don’t hesitate to consult a sleep specialist. Many effective treatments are available, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Prioritizing sleep health is a proactive investment in long-term physical and mental well-being.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr.Lee, for sharing your expertise and providing such insightful guidance on this critical topic.
To our readers: What are your experiences with sleep disorders? Share your thoughts and comments below.Let’s continue this important conversation! Don’t forget to share this interview with others who might benefit from this life-changing information.